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Where to watch pack burro racing in Colorado this summer
By Brooke Williams,
2 days ago
DENVER ( KDVR ) — Pack burro racing, the official summer heritage sport of Colorado, is in full swing and there are more races to see in the coming months.
It is said that the sport originated during the early mining days of Colorado . Miners would pack supplies and gold on their burros, the Spanish word for donkeys, and since there wasn’t room for the miner to ride the burro, the miner would walk alongside it.
Today, runners and their donkeys run in races that exceed marathon distances through challenging mountain trails.
They compete for first place, but there’s still a ‘last ass over the pass’ prize for the teams whose donkeys don’t feel like running that day.
Some races have already happened , but there are plenty to look forward to. Plus, many of the races happen in conjunction with many mountain town festivals.
Running with a donkey can be a challenge because if the donkey is uncomfortable, it might literally stop to assess the situation. (Brian Wanke)
People run alongside their donkeys in races that exceed marathon distances through challenging trails in the mountains in the official Summer Heritage Sport of Colorado: Pack Burro Racing. (Brian Wanke)
Running with a donkey can be a challenge because if the donkey is uncomfortable, it might literally stop to assess the situation. (Brian Wanke)
The “Last Ass Up the Pass” award goes to the last person and donkey over the finish line to acknowledge the challenge of the sport. (Brian Wanke)
Running with a donkey can be a challenge because if the donkey is uncomfortable, it might literally stop to assess the situation. (Brian Wanke)
Racer Marvin Sandoval of Leadville, Colo., struggles with his burro, Buttercup, as they pass the sign on the top of Mosquito Pass as the pair follow the route of the Leadville Burro Race Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, near Leadville, Colo. (Hugh Carey/The Colorado Sun via AP)
Here are some upcoming races as listed on the Western Pack Burro Association website:
The town gathers to celebrate its heritage with burro, llama, kids pack dog and outhouse races, as well as other activities like a parade, gold panning, a market, arts and crafts, entertainment for kids, cowboy church, live music and more.
Leadville Boom Days
The second leg of the series is the Leadville race, happening Aug. 4 in conjunction with the Leadville Boom Days from Aug. 2-4.
Festivities throughout the weekend include motorcycle events, breakfast, a car show, mining events , entertainment for kids, a parade, live music, food and craft vendors and more. There are also other competitive events like a boardwalk competition, costume contest, egg toss, balloon toss and a pie eating contest.
Along with the burro race is the Buena Vista Farmers Market on Aug. 10 and the Gold Rush Days on Aug. 10 and 11 . The Gold Rush Days celebrate the history of the area with vendors, live music, old-time photo booths, costumes, food trucks, games for kids, live music, face painting and more, according to the website.
Before you go, be sure to check the Pinpoint Weather forecast to be prepared for Colorado’s variable weather conditions.
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