Event Info Please secure a burro prior to registering! Burro rental is a separate fee, not included with race registration. **This event is limited to 100 teams, each consisting of one burro and one person.** Proceeds from the Burros in the Pines race proudly support: Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary Set against the scenic backdrop of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Burros in the Pines Race celebrates a community built on adventure. Teams of one human and one burro can tackle a 3, 6, or 9-mile course through the beautiful Fort Tuthill County Park. This unique pack burro race honors the historic role these resilient animals played in mining and hauling supplies across Arizona's rugged terrain. Race Rules General Rules RACERS MUST SECURE A BURRO PRIOR TO REGISTERING! If you don’t own a burro, rental burros may be available. Burro rentals are an additional fee and separate from the race entry. Visit the race website for a list of burro rental companies and individuals renting burros. No solo runners allowed! Pack burro racing is a team sport, 1 human runner & 1 burro. Only donkeys/burros (Spanish for donkey) are allowed! No other equines are permitted to race, no horses, no hybrids (mules, hinnies, zedonks, etc.) no exceptions. No riding! This is an in-hand trail race. Donkeys must be sound, healthy and fit to race. Do not sign up for a race that you or your burro are not fit enough to complete. No mistreatment of burros! Race Teams A pack burro racing team consists of 1 human runner & 1 burro. The runner and burro starting the race must remain a team throughout the race. The runner may push, pull, apply pressure release, or carry their burro across the finish line, but no riding is allowed! No assistants will be allowed to accompany any team. Spectators or anyone outside of the race are not allowed to assist the forward progress of any team. No swapping burros with another runner during the race or both teams will be disqualified. To win, the runner and burro team must cross the finish line as a unit. The runner may be leading or following the burro, but the burro's nose crossing the finish line first, determines the winning team. In the event of a tie, the prize money will be equally divided between the teams involved. Pack Saddle & Gear 3 mile Fun Run - pack saddle optional 6 mile Short Course - pack saddle optional 9 mile Long Course - To qualify for prizes, the burro must be equipped with a pack saddle carrying a pick, gold pan, and shovel. Pick/shovel combo tools are permitted. There is no minimum weight requirement for the saddle and equipment. If any of these items are missing or get lost on the trail, the runner/burro team will be disqualified (DQ). Hoof boots are recommended for this course. Halter, Lead Rope & Jack Chains The donkey must have a halter and lead rope. The halter can be a strap halter or rope halter and should fit the donkey properly so as not interfere with the burro’s eye. The lead rope can be no longer than 15 ft, measured from the end of the rope to the tip of the snap. The lead rope may only be connected to the halter. The lead must be held in the runner's hands and cannot be tied to the runner or a harness/belt worn by the runner. Jack/Stud chains may be used with a pressure-release technique, either over the muzzle or under the chin. Any racer coming across the finish line with injuries on their burro, resulting from the jack/stud chain may be disqualified. No needles, electric prods, clubs, whips or other tools besides the halter, lead rope and stud/jack chain may be used during the race. Control of Burro All runners must keep their burro under control, stay on the designated trails, not divert off course or cut switchbacks. On single-track trail, runner/burro teams can pass as long as they remain near the trail's edge if slower teams are blocking the course or obstructing the advancement of another team. If a runner/burro team interferes with another team, the offending team may be given a warning or disqualified. If the runner loses control of their burro and drops the lead rope, the team must return to the point where the lead rope was dropped to stay in the race and not receive a DQ. If you get off course, you must return to the point where you left the designated course and continue on the correct course. We encourage all racers to take your burro back if you lose them, make course navigation corrections, not give up on your burro’s race and receive an honorable finish. Trail Courtesy Please allow the front runners to easily pass. Do not impede faster teams or block the trail. Don’t be an ass, let them pass! Move over and cheer them on! Veterinary Checks - Coggins - Health Certificate All burro owners should consider getting their burro a veterinary check before the race. Sick, injured or unsound burros will not be allowed to race. Out-of-state donkeys must obtain a negative coggins test and health certificate from their veterinarian before entering the State of Arizona, as
Course & Travel Notes
Burros in the Pines takes place at nearly 7,000 feet elevation in Flagstaff, where late June typically brings warm daytime highs around 79°F but cool mornings dropping to 42°F, so bring layers for the pre-dawn start before sunrise at 5:14 AM. Rain is unlikely with only a 7% chance of measurable precipitation this time of year, though the elevation means weather can be unpredictable. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is just 4.2 miles from the venue, making it convenient for travel logistics.
⛰️ 6,909 ft elevation☀️ Typically 79°F / 42°F · 7% chance of rain✈️ Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) — 4.2 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Flagstaff, AZ.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Burros in the Pines 2027 — Flagstaff, AZ takes place on June 26, 2027. The race is held in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Where is Burros in the Pines 2027 — Flagstaff, AZ held?
Burros in the Pines 2027 — Flagstaff, AZ is held at 415 Battalion Rd in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Where can I find hotels near Burros in the Pines 2027 — Flagstaff, AZ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Flagstaff. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
