Buena Vista Pack Burro Race

About the Event

The Buena Vista Pack Burro Race takes place on August 2, 2026, in Buena Vista, Colorado. The event includes four race categories, all starting at the same time.

Race Categories

Runners can choose from:

• 13.1-Mile Long Course (WITH A BURRO): This is the official third leg of the Triple Crown of Pack Burro Racing.
• 13.1-Mile Long Course (WITHOUT A BURRO): This "Running With the Burros" category allows participation without a burro. Burro teams always have the right-of-way.
• 7.3-Mile Short Course (WITH A BURRO): This course overlaps with part of the long course.
• 7.3-Mile Short Course (WITHOUT A BURRO): This shorter "Running With the Burros" option also gives burro teams the right-of-way.

A finisher's gift and a meal are provided to participants after the race. Awards, including trophies, are given for the top finishers in each category.

Rules and Requirements

For categories requiring a burro, participants must have a burro name before registration. The event follows specific pack burro racing rules. Each burro must carry a packsaddle with a pick, gold pan, and shovel. The burro and runner must stay together as a team throughout the race, and no riding is allowed. The runner may only be attached to the burro with a single lead rope not exceeding 15 feet. A negative Coggins test and health certificate are required for out-of-state burros.

Course Details

All participants reach a decision point at Water Station #2. Runners who initially chose the long course may opt to complete the short course instead without disqualification. Water stations issue slap wristbands to verify the checkpoint reached. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.