World Championship Pack Burro Race

World Championship Pack Burro Race, Fairplay Colorado

The World Championship Pack Burro Race takes place on July 26, 2026 in Fairplay, Colorado at 531 Front Street. The event offers two course options and involves teams of a runner and a burro. Historic participation has grown from 21 entrants in 1949 to nearly 100 racers and burros in recent years.

• Long Course: about 31 miles, includes Mosquito Pass summit at 13,185 ft
• Short Course: approximately 12.3 miles, wooded dirt roads and alpine pond at midpoint

Each runner must be accompanied by a burro. Burros may be owned, borrowed, or rented by the runner. Every burro must carry a regulation pack saddle packed with a pick, shovel, and gold pan. Participants are strongly advised to carry one to two quarts of water, food, and clothing for varied weather. Loss of all or part of the pack and paraphernalia will eliminate the contestant. Jack chains are permitted only when used with a pressure release technique.

The long course includes an elevation change of 3,232' and starts near 9,953 ft in Fairplay with the long course halfway point at Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185 ft. The Town of Fairplay has set a time cutoff for the Long Course at Checkpoint 6 Outbound of 4:00 pm. Teams that miss this cutoff may either turn around to return to town and receive credit for completed miles or be trailered out which results in a DNF; teams are responsible for arranging transportation. There is no cutoff time for the Short Course.

Registration opens March 17, 2026 and closes July 21, 2026 with a registration fee of $70. Free race photos are provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.