The South Fork Alder Ass Race takes place on September 5, 2026, in South Fork, Colorado, at Brown Memorial Park. This adventure race offers two distance options: a 1-mile course and a 3-mile course, giving participants flexibility based on their fitness level and goals. Entry costs $65.00, with a typical start time of 10:00 AM. If you're traveling to the area for this event, note that a virtual participation option is available, though the in-person race at the park is the primary experience. Whether you're tackling the shorter sprint or the longer distance, plan your accommodation and travel accordingly for race morning.
From the Race Organizer
Please join us for the 5th annual South Fork Alder Ass Race on Saturday, September 5, 2026! IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: If you do not own your own burro, you must secure a rental burro BEFORE registering for the race. Burro rentals are a separate fee and are not included with race registration. Please do not register until you have been officially matched with a burro. Each burro is carefully paired with runners based on pace, experience, and temperament- this is not a first-come, first-served process. Please do not create or make up a burro name during registration. Only enter the name of a burro that has been officially assigned to you. Registrations submitted without an officially assigned burro will be considered a donation toward race expenses and are non-refundable. Ghost Runners are the only exception and may register without a burro. A brief history of the donkeys that now run Pack Burro Races Donkeys first arrived on U.S. soil in 1784 as a royal gift from King Charles III of Spain to George Washington. By the 1800s, they were instrumental in building the American West, especially during the Gold Rush. When mining declined, many of these hardy animals were left behind. Burros adapted and survived in some of the most rugged terrain in the West. Today, while wild burros face challenges similar to wild horses, many are rounded up, gentled, and trained. Pack Burro Racing has become not only a historic sport, but also a productive outlet for rehabilitating formerly wild burros. “Burro” is the Spanish word for small donkey. In Pack Burro Racing, donkeys of all sizes- mini to mammoth compete and are commonly referred to as burros. Only a donkey/burro may compete in Pack Burro Races as we do nothing half-assed. RULES: Pack Saddle & Required Gear Each burro must carry a pack saddle with traditional prospector's paraphernalia: Gold Pan Pick Shovel There is no minimum weight requirement. Missing gear at any point on the course results in disqualification (DQ). Lead Rope Requirements Must be attached to a halter Single lead rope only Maximum length: 15 feet (end of rope to tip of snap) Rope must connect only to the halter Flat-nosed halters are preferred for safety. Control of Burro The runner must maintain control at all times. No cutting switchbacks. Teams may pass safely along course edges. Dropped lead rope = return to the point where it was dropped to avoid DQ. If interference occurs, officials may issue a warning or DQ. Jack/Stud Chains Permitted only with proper pressure-release technique. Any burro finishing with visible injury from a chain may result in disqualification. Team = 1 Runner + 1 Burro Teams must start and finish together. No swapping burros. "You gotta dance with the one that brung ya." ~Curtis Imrie No outside assistance from spectators or anyone outside of the race. The burro’s nose crossing the finish line determines placement. The runner may push, pull, use pressure release technique, or carry their burro across the fine line, but no riding allowed. In the event of a tie, the prize money involved, if any, will be equally divided between the teams involved. However, this is ultimately up to the race director’s discretion. Veterinary Checks Burro owners may consider getting a veterinary check on their burro before every race. Sick or injured burros should not race. Out-of-state burros must have: Negative Coggins & Certificate of Veterinary Inspection Disqualifications Any runner mistreating their burro will be disqualified. NO clubs NO drugging NO electric prods NO needles NO whips Should a runner be disqualified by a race official, he/she may continue the race and appeal his/her grievance to the race director. The decisions of the race director will be final. No Firearms Firearms are not permitted during the race. Participant Waivers/Release of Liability No town, county, or private property owners along the course, sponsoring businesses, governmental agencies, persons, volunteers, race officials, or organizations will be liable in case of accident or injury to the runner or burro. Each runner must sign a waiver and/or release of responsibility before the race. Colorado Equine Act Under Colorado law, an equine professional is not liable for injury or death resulting from inherent risks of equine activities (C.R.S. 13-21-119). Rules revised Feb 2023 Colorado: Clear Creek County Pack Burro Race Series (Georgetown and Idaho Springs) Creede Donkey Dash Buena Vista Pack Burro Race South Fork Alder Ass Race Victor’s Gold Rush Challenge Pack Burro Race Frederick Miners Day Pack Burro Race Rollinsville Pack Burro Race Tombstone, AZ- Desert Donkey Dash Inyokern, CA- Run with the Burros Topsfield, MA- Run with the Burros ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Additional Information ~ (for the new-to-pack burro racing runners) Supply Suggestions: Comfortable running clothes Trail shoes with good tread Gloves (sports type full or fingerless weight lifting sty
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 5.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to South Fork, CO.
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
When is South Fork Alder Ass Race 2026 — South Fork, CO?
South Fork Alder Ass Race 2026 — South Fork, CO takes place on September 5, 2026. The race is held in South Fork, Colorado.
Where is South Fork Alder Ass Race 2026 — South Fork, CO held?
South Fork Alder Ass Race 2026 — South Fork, CO is held at Brown Memorial Park in South Fork, Colorado.
Where can I find hotels near South Fork Alder Ass Race 2026 — South Fork, CO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in South Fork. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
