South Fork Alder Ass Race

Race Info

Please join us for the 5th annual South Fork Alder Ass Race on Saturday, September 5, 2026!

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Please do not register for this race until you have been matched with a donkey teammate! This does not apply to Ghost Runners. Race registration is separate from donkey rental arrangements.

A brief history of the donkeys that now run Pack Burro Races Donkeys first arrived on U.S. soil in 1784 as a royal gift from King Charles III of Spain to George Washington. By the 1800s, they were instrumental in building the American West, especially during the Gold Rush. When mining declined, many of these hardy animals were left behind. Burros adapted and survived in some of the most rugged terrain in the West. Today, while wild burros face challenges similar to wild horses, many are rounded up, gentled, and trained. Pack Burro Racing has become not only a historic sport, but also a productive outlet for rehabilitating formerly wild burros. “Burro” is the Spanish word for small donkey. In Pack Burro Racing, donkeys of all sizes- mini to mammoth compete and are commonly referred to as burros. Only a donkey/burro may compete in Pack Burro Races as we do nothing half-assed.

RULES:

• Pack Saddle & Required Gear Each burro must carry a pack saddle with traditional prospector's paraphernalia: Gold Pan Pick Shovel. Missing gear at any point on the course results in disqualification (DQ).
• Lead Rope Requirements Must be attached to a halter, single lead rope only, maximum length: 15 feet.
• Control of Burro The runner must maintain control at all times. No cutting switchbacks. Teams may pass safely along course edges. Dropped lead rope = return to the point where it was dropped to avoid DQ.
• Jack/Stud Chains Permitted only with proper pressure-release technique. Any burro finishing with visible injury from a chain may result in disqualification.
• Team = 1 Runner + 1 Burro Teams must start and finish together. No swapping burros.
• No outside assistance from spectators or anyone outside of the race.
• The burro’s nose crossing the finish line determines placement. The runner may push, pull, use pressure release technique, or carry their burro across the fine line, but no riding allowed.
• Veterinary Checks Burro owners may consider getting a veterinary check on their burro before every race. Sick or injured burros should not race. Out-of-state burros must have: Negative Coggins & Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
• Disqualifications Any runner mistreating their burro will be disqualified. NO clubs, NO drugging, NO electric prods, NO needles, NO whips.
• No Firearms
• Participant Waivers/Release of Liability Each runner must sign a waiver and/or release of responsibility before the race.

Colorado Equine Act Under Colorado law, an equine professional is not liable for injury or death resulting from inherent risks of equine activities (C.R.S. 13-21-119).

Rules revised Feb 2023

Course

There are 2 distances.

• The "mini" course is 3 miles. Pack gear optional. Mostly pavement, small portion on forest service road. Out-and-back. Elevation gain: 75 ft. Max elevation: 8,250 ft.
• The "standard" course is 11 miles. Pack saddle & mining gear required. Boots or alternative hoof protection recommended. Some pavement, primarily forest service roads, possible water crossing. Out-and-back. Elevation gain: 1,100 ft. Max elevation: 9,350 ft.

Aid Stations

Mile 1.5, Mile 5.5

Awards

Trophies for top three female and male finishers in the 3 mile. Prize money will be awarded to top ten female and male finishers in the 11 mile course.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

ALL ENTRIES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.

Camping

Free camping at the start/finish. Stay and play in South Fork by the Rio Grande River at Brown Memorial Park. 86 Co Rd 15 South Fork, CO BYOP (Bring Your Own Panels) Water available Portable restrooms on site

BIG Ass Pre-Race Party

Friday, September 4 5:00-7:00 PM Food, music, and burros! Celebrate the start of race weekend with food by Gone Rogue, music by Leaky Nozzle Productions, BURROS, and official race packet pickup. Don't miss the fun!

This special event is held under permit from the U.S. Forest Service- Divide Ranger District.