World Championship Pack Burro Race
- Date Sun 26th July 2026
- Time 10:15AM MDT
- Location Fairplay, Colorado
- Price $75.20
- Races 2 races
- Distances Ultra
Last chance to enter
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Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the World Championship Pack Burro Race on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the scenic town of Fairplay, Park! This thrilling event, which began in 1949 with just 21 entrants, has now evolved into a vibrant competition featuring nearly 100 participants and their beloved burros. Racers can choose between two challenging courses: the short course, approximately 12.3 miles, perfect for those looking for a brisk adventure, or the long course, a grueling 29+ mile journey that includes a staggering ascent to Mosquito Pass, elevating competitors from 9,953 feet to an impressive 13,185 feet!
This historic race not only tests the endurance of the runners but also highlights the incredible bond between humans and their equine companions. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie as racers tackle the breathtaking Colorado landscape. Whether you're a competitor or a fan, the World Championship Pack Burro Race promises to be a day of unforgettable memories and inspiring athleticism. Don’t miss out on this unique event that celebrates tradition and adventure in the heart of Fairplay!
This historic race not only tests the endurance of the runners but also highlights the incredible bond between humans and their equine companions. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie as racers tackle the breathtaking Colorado landscape. Whether you're a competitor or a fan, the World Championship Pack Burro Race promises to be a day of unforgettable memories and inspiring athleticism. Don’t miss out on this unique event that celebrates tradition and adventure in the heart of Fairplay!
Organiser's Description
The first year of the World Championship Pack Burro Race in 1949 saw 21 entrants with only 8 finishing the race. These days there are nearly 100 racers and burros that take on this historic challenge. Some choose the lower altitude short course of approximately 12.3 miles while others take on the long course and attempt the grueling climb to the top of Mosquito Pass and back, 29+ miles and an elevation change of 3,232'! The racers start at 9,953 feet in Fairplay with long course runners hitting their halfway point at the top of Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185'!
Short Course Map [https://burrodays.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Short-Course-Reroute-Map.pdf]
Long Course Map [https://burrodays.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Race-map-with-Checkpoints.pdf]
***DISCLAIMER: ON JUNE 15TH THE TOWN OF FAIRPLAY BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOTED TO SET A LONG COURSE TIME CUTOFF FOR CHECKPOINT 6 OUTBOUND AT 4:00PM. CHECKPOINT 6 IS AT THE Y INTERSECTION OF CR 12 AND 696 BEFORE RACERS GO UP THROUGH THE MINE AND AMERICAN FLATS. LONG COURSE RACERS HAVE BEEN REACHING CHECKPOINT 6 BY 1:30PM AT THE LATEST IN THE LAST FEW YEARS; 4:00PM SHOULD BE A GENEROUS CUTOFF TIME. THE START TIME OF THE LONG COURSE HAS NOT CHANGED. THERE IS NO CUTOFF TIME FOR THE SHORT COURSE. THE ADDED RULE READS AS FOLLOWS
TIME CUTOFF
TEAMS REGISTERED FOR THE LONG COURSE MUST REACH CHECKPOINT 6 - OUTBOUND BY 4:00PM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE THE COURSE. IF THE TEAM DOES NOT MEET THIS REQUIREMENT, THEY WILL HAVE TWO OPTIONS. THE TEAM CAN CHOOSE TO TURN AROUND AND TAKE THE DESIGNATED COURSE BACK TO TOWN IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THEIR COMPLETED MILES OR THE TEAM CAN CHOOSE TO BE TRAILERED OUT WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DNF. THE RUNNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANIZING TRANSPORTATION OFF OF THE COURSE. TOWN OF FAIRPLAY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION.
THERE IS NO CUTOFF TIME FOR THE SHORT COURSE.
THIS RULE CHANGE HAS BEEN IN DISCUSSION FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE BURROS, RACERS, OWNERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF IN MIND.
Free race photos provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers at PBRphotos.org [https://pbrphotos.org/]
Short Course Map [https://burrodays.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Short-Course-Reroute-Map.pdf]
Long Course Map [https://burrodays.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Race-map-with-Checkpoints.pdf]
***DISCLAIMER: ON JUNE 15TH THE TOWN OF FAIRPLAY BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOTED TO SET A LONG COURSE TIME CUTOFF FOR CHECKPOINT 6 OUTBOUND AT 4:00PM. CHECKPOINT 6 IS AT THE Y INTERSECTION OF CR 12 AND 696 BEFORE RACERS GO UP THROUGH THE MINE AND AMERICAN FLATS. LONG COURSE RACERS HAVE BEEN REACHING CHECKPOINT 6 BY 1:30PM AT THE LATEST IN THE LAST FEW YEARS; 4:00PM SHOULD BE A GENEROUS CUTOFF TIME. THE START TIME OF THE LONG COURSE HAS NOT CHANGED. THERE IS NO CUTOFF TIME FOR THE SHORT COURSE. THE ADDED RULE READS AS FOLLOWS
TIME CUTOFF
TEAMS REGISTERED FOR THE LONG COURSE MUST REACH CHECKPOINT 6 - OUTBOUND BY 4:00PM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE THE COURSE. IF THE TEAM DOES NOT MEET THIS REQUIREMENT, THEY WILL HAVE TWO OPTIONS. THE TEAM CAN CHOOSE TO TURN AROUND AND TAKE THE DESIGNATED COURSE BACK TO TOWN IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THEIR COMPLETED MILES OR THE TEAM CAN CHOOSE TO BE TRAILERED OUT WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DNF. THE RUNNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANIZING TRANSPORTATION OFF OF THE COURSE. TOWN OF FAIRPLAY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION.
THERE IS NO CUTOFF TIME FOR THE SHORT COURSE.
THIS RULE CHANGE HAS BEEN IN DISCUSSION FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE BURROS, RACERS, OWNERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF IN MIND.
Free race photos provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers at PBRphotos.org [https://pbrphotos.org/]
Races
-
Long Course, 29+ Miles
Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (10:15AM MDT)
$75.20
Each runner must be accompanied by a Burro! It is the responsibility of the runner to acquire their own burro. They may use their own animal or borrow/rent someone else's. Each burro will be required to be equipped with a regulation pack saddle, packed with a pick, shovel, and gold pan. It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one - two quarts of water, food, and clothing for all types of weather. Loss of all or part of the pack and paraphernalia will eliminate the contestant. See more detailed equipment information on our website. ***Disclaimer 3/21/25: Jack chains are no longer prohibited. Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth). -
Short Course, Approximately 12.3 Miles
Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (10:30AM MDT)
$75.20
Each runner must be accompanied by a Burro! It is the responsibility of the runner to acquire their own burro. They may use their own animal or borrow/rent someone else's. Each burro will be required to be equipped with a regulation pack saddle, packed with a pick, shovel, and gold pan. It is strongly recommended that all participants carry at least one - two quarts of water, food, and clothing for all types of weather. Loss of all or part of the pack and paraphernalia will eliminate the contestant. See more detailed equipment information on our website. ***Disclaimer 3/21/25: Jack chains are no longer prohibited. Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth). ***The Short Course route has been updated. While the new course is shorter (12.3 miles approx.) than the traditional course (15 miles), racers will find a more challenging experience with several steep ascents and descents after diverging from the original outbound path. Racers will navigate wooded dirt roads, giving access to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and will be greeted by a tranquil high alpine pond as they pass the halfway point. Upon completing the loop, burro teams will finish the race along the traditional inbound trail.
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531 Front Street, Fairplay, 80440, CO, United States
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World Championship Pack Burro Race
