🏃♂️🐴 Pack Burro Racing – The Official Sport of Colorado
You’ve heard of football, baseball, and maybe even curling—but in Colorado, we do things a little differently. Our official state sport?
Pack. Burro. Racing.
Yes, you read that right.
🎽 What Is Pack Burro Racing?
Pack Burro Racing is a uniquely Colorado tradition where runners race alongside a burro (a small donkey)—not ride it. Racers must run beside their burro, guiding it through rugged mountain trails, often over steep passes and rocky terrain. It’s part endurance race, part teamwork challenge, and completely Colorado.
🏔️ How It Started: Gold Rush Roots
The sport originated during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. Miners loaded their burros with gear and hiked into the mountains searching for gold. Legend says that when two prospectors struck gold at the same time, they raced each other back to town—burros and all. Thus, Pack Burro Racing was born.
📍 Where to See It: Fairplay Burro Days
Today, the most iconic race happens every July in Fairplay, Colorado during the annual Burro Days Festival. This celebration includes:
- A 29-mile race up and down Mosquito Pass
- Costumed burros and runners
- Parades, vendors, and small-town mountain charm
Other popular races are held in Leadville, Buena Vista, and Idaho Springs throughout summer.
🎓 Student Section: Why Is Pack Burro Racing the Official Sport?
❓ Is Pack Burro Racing really a sport?
Yes! It combines long-distance trail running with animal handling skills. Races often span 10–30 miles over high-altitude mountain terrain.
❓ When did it become the official state sport?
In 2012, Pack Burro Racing was officially designated as the State Sport of Colorado by the Colorado General Assembly.
❓ Can you ride the burro?
Nope! Riding is against the rules. Runners must stay on foot the entire race and lead the burro by rope.
❓ Why donkeys?
Burros were the prospector’s best friend—strong, reliable, and able to navigate rugged mountain terrain. They’re still celebrated today as part of Colorado’s mining legacy.
🙋♀️ Can Anyone Race a Burro?
Yes! Pack Burro Racing is an inclusive, community-driven sport open to everyone from elite runners to first-timers.
- Many races have shorter “fun runs” for kids and families
- Don’t own a burro? You can rent one from local trainers or farms
- No experience needed—just bring energy and a few carrots
Burros have strong personalities and minds of their own. Patience, encouragement, and snacks often go further than speed!
🏃♀️ Why Colorado Loves This Sport
Pack Burro Racing isn’t just about crossing the finish line. It’s about celebrating:
- Colorado’s mining history
- The bond between animals and humans
- The state’s mountain adventure culture
- Small-town Colorado spirit
Plus, it’s one of the few sports where you might get dragged uphill by a donkey… and still win a medal!
📸 Been to Burro Days?
Share your photos, videos, and race-day memories with us—we might feature you!
- Instagram: @OpenRoadColorado
- Facebook: Open Road Colorado
- X (Twitter): @OpenRoadCO
Use the hashtag #OpenRoadColorado and show us your favorite moments with your four-legged racing partner!
🔗 Official Resources and Government Links
Share Official Sport of Colorado on Social -
More Fun Facts About Colorado
Central City, Colorado: Explore The Richest Square Mile on Earth | Top Things to Do
🏔️ Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City, Colorado Central City, Colorado, located about 38 miles west of Denver, is famously known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859, Central City
Mount Evans Road: Highest Paved Road in North America – Explore Colorado
Mount Evans Road: The Highest Paved Road in North America The highest paved road in North America is the scenic and iconic Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado State Highway 5. This breathtaking route leads to the summit of
Denver: Biggest City in Colorado – Fun Things to Do & More
Denver: The Biggest City in Colorado Denver, Colorado, known as the “Mile High City,” is the biggest city in Colorado by population and serves as the state’s vibrant capital. With a population of approximately 733,114 residents and a bustling metropolitan
Aquamarine: Colorado State Gemstone, Mines & Fun Facts
Aquamarine – Colorado State Gemstone Facts, Mines & History 💎 Aquamarine – The Official State Gemstone of Colorado By Open Road Colorado | Colorado Geology & Fun FactsUpdated April 2025 | Great for Students, Rockhounds & Gem Collectors 🏔️ What
Arkansas River – Longest River, Map, and Recreation
Arkansas River – The Longest River in Colorado | Open Road Colorado 🌊 Arkansas River – The Longest River in Colorado (Ultimate Guide) Category: Fun Facts About Colorado Author: Open Road Colorado 🚗🏞️ Updated: April 2025 Estimated Read Time: 6
More Fun Facts About Colorado
National Parks in Colorado – Explore the 4 Must-See Parks
Jump to a National Park Black Canyon Great Sand Dunes Rocky Mountain Mesa Verde 🏞️ National Parks in Colorado: Your Guide to the 4 Majestic Parks Category: Colorado National Parks, Fun Facts About Colorado |
Palisade Peach – Unofficial State Fruit of Colorado
Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition | Open Road Colorado 🍑 Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition / Fun Facts About Colorado / By Open Road Colorado Move over Georgia—Colorado has its own
Colorado State Motto – Nil Sine Numine
Colorado State Motto: “Nil Sine Numine” – What It Means and Why It Matters Discover the meaning, mystery, and historical roots of Colorado’s powerful Latin motto, “Nil Sine Numine.” 📜 What Is Colorado’s State Motto?
Central City, Colorado: Explore The Richest Square Mile on Earth | Top Things to Do
🏔️ Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City, Colorado Central City, Colorado, located about 38 miles west of Denver, is famously known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” During the Pikes Peak Gold
Colorado Quarter: History, Design & 50 State Quarters Program (2006)
Colorado Quarter – History, Design & 50 State Quarters Program Overview The Colorado Quarter was released on June 14, 2006, as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which celebrated each U.S.