Leadville Boomdays International Pack Burro Race

Leadville Boom Days Pack Burro Race

The Leadville Boom Days Pack Burro Race is a traditional mountain event held in Leadville, Colorado at about 10,200 ft on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The race follows marked routes through historic East Side mining areas and high alpine terrain around town. The event address is 505 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, CO 80461.

Course distances include:

• Long Course: 19 miles
• Short Course: approximately 6 to 8 miles

The long course features rugged trails, historic mining roads, and more than 4,000 ft of climbing, with teams climbing toward Mosquito Pass before returning to town. The short course runs through the lower East Side Mining District and is near seven miles in length.

Entrants pay a non refundable and non transferable entry fee. Runners must secure their own burro; any burro rental fees are separate. Burros must be sound and in good health. A veterinarian or qualified race official may inspect animals before and after the race and may disqualify any team if an animal is sick, injured, doped, or mistreated.

Required equipment includes a regulation pack saddle, a pick, a shovel, and a gold pan. The lead rope may not exceed 15 feet. Jack chains may be used only with a pressure release technique. Ropes, voice, and the runner's speed are the only permitted ways to motivate a burro. Riding a burro is not allowed.

Camping for racers and burros on Saturday night is reserved at the Lake County Fairgrounds. For burro rental information, participants may consult the Western Pack Burro Association. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.