Buena Vista Pack Burro Race

AUG
2
2026
Experience a Colorado tradition at the Buena Vista Pack Burro Race. Choose between 13.1 or 7.3 mile courses and compete either with a burro team or as a solo runner in this historic mountain event.
Sun 2 Aug 2026
13 miles 7 miles

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Buena Vista Pack Burro Race

The Buena Vista Pack Burro Race is a historic event held in Buena Vista, Colorado. Known as the second leg of the Triple Crown of Pack Burro Racing, the event commemorates "Curtis Imrie Day". Participants can choose between two main distances, with options to compete either with a burro or in a separate category without one.

Distance Options

  • 13.1-Mile Long Course: Available for teams with a burro or runners without a burro.
  • 7.3-Mile Short Course: Available for teams with a burro or runners without a burro.

For those racing with a burro, the animal must be equipped with a pack saddle containing a pick, gold pan, and shovel. The runner and burro must remain a team throughout the entire course, connected by a lead rope not exceeding 15 feet. No riding is permitted; the runner may lead, push, or follow the burro.

Runners who do not have a burro can participate in the Running with the Burros categories. These participants run alongside the burro teams on the same course but must yield the right-of-way to animal teams at all times.

The course features water stations where participants collect wristbands to verify they have reached specific checkpoints. A decision point exists at Water Station #2, allowing those registered for the long course to switch to the short course if necessary without disqualification. A pizza buffet meal is provided for participants following the event, and various trophies and gifts are awarded across different categories based on finishing order. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

13 mi
13.1-Mile Long Course (without a Burro)
13 mi
13.1-Mile Long Course (with a Burro)
7 mi
7.3-Mile Short Course (with a Burro)
7 mi
7.3-Mile Short Course (without a Burro)