Donkey Derby Days Pack Burro Race

Donkey Derby Days Pack Burro Race : Cripple Creek, Colorado

The Donkey Derby Days Pack Burro Race is part of the Donkey Derby Days festival held in Cripple Creek June 26 to 28, 2026. The race is presented as the first professional pack burro race in Cripple Creek since 2007 and follows an out-and-back urban course that begins and finishes on E. Bennett Avenue at 172 E. Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO.

The race distance is 6 miles. The course leaves Bennett Avenue, follows N. C Street and Galena Avenue, continues on McKenney Street, and returns to town via Main Street and West Bennett Avenue before finishing at the start line. Chip timing will be used at the finish and two-way radios will link finish operations with multiple course checkpoints.

Safety and animal welfare measures include staffed checkpoints with first aid kits, water, and communications; crowd control ropes along the start/finish; trailer parking and camping at the Teller County Fairgrounds; and a weather plan in coordination with local search and rescue. Veterinary checks are recommended and out-of-state burros must meet state test and health certificate requirements.

Race rules require each burro to wear a packsaddle with prospector paraphernalia including a pick, gold pan, and shovel. Each team consists of one runner and one burro, the runner may not ride the burro, and a single lead rope no longer than 15 feet must be used. Disqualifications can result from mistreatment, missing required gear, or unsafe conduct. Waivers and a Colorado Equine Act warning are part of race procedures.

Start/finish area activities planned around the race include a poop drop contest, a short poop pickup challenge, possible mini donkey races, and monetary awards for top finishers. Alcohol will not be provided by race organizers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.