Idaho Springs Pack Burro Race
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About the Event
The Idaho Springs Pack Burro Race is a 5-mile event in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and is the second race in the Clear Creek County Pack Burro Race Series. It marks the 25th annual running of this event.
The Race Format
This is a pack burro race where each participant races as a team with one burro. The race follows a unique course. It begins after a parade down Main Street starting at Citizens Park. The route heads east, turns north up 17th Ave, goes across Colorado Blvd and up Virginia Canyon on a dirt road featuring a 12% grade climb. It then follows switchbacks marked with white surveyor flags, race signage, and flour arrows to an old miner's driveway. The course continues over varied terrain, winding down Rose Gulch, going over logs and under trees, coming out over the Argo Mill, heading back west on Wall Street, and finishing with a sharp left turn on 16th Street to the west of the Elks Lodge.
Important Rules and Requirements
Participants must have a burro secured prior to registering; no refunds are given for lack of a burro. Each burro must be equipped with a packsaddle containing prospector's paraphernalia: a pick, gold pan, and shovel. The runner controls the burro using a single lead rope not exceeding 15 feet in length. Runners may push, pull, or carry their burro, but riding is not allowed. There is a course cut-off time; teams must reach the base of a driveway 3.3 miles into the course by 12:30 PM or be asked to return to town.
Additional Information
Camping is available the night before the race at Shadows Ranch in Georgetown, Colorado. Participants must sign a camping waiver. Free race photos are provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers. The event emphasizes safety and control, with rules against mistreating burros and the use of prohibited items like whips or electric prods. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
