South Fork Alder Ass Race
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South Fork Alder Ass Race
The South Fork Alder Ass Race is a pack burro race. Teams consist of one runner and one donkey. The event takes place in South Fork, Colorado, starting and finishing at Brown Memorial Park. Free camping is available at the start/finish area.
The race has three event categories:
- Alder Ass Race Standard Course
- Alder Ass Race Mini Course
- Ghost Runners
Participants in the standard and mini courses must run as a team with a donkey. Registration for these events is separate from arranging a donkey teammate, and runners are advised not to register until matched with a donkey. This rule does not apply to the Ghost Runners category.
The Course
There are two running distances.
The "mini" course is 3 miles. The route is primarily on pavement with a small section on a forest service road, forming an out-and-back course. It has an elevation gain of 75 feet. For this distance, the required pack saddle and prospector's tools (gold pan, pick, and shovel) are optional.
The "standard" course is 11 miles. Most of this route is on forest service roads, with the potential for one water crossing. It has an elevation gain of 1100 feet. Boots or other hoof protection for the donkey are recommended. Two aid stations are provided on the standard course.
Rules and Awards
Specific rules govern the race. Each donkey must carry a pack saddle with prospector's paraphernalia: a pick, gold pan, and shovel. The runner and donkey are connected by a single lead rope not exceeding 15 feet. The runner and donkey must start and finish the race together as a team; no swapping is allowed. The winner is determined by the donkey's nose crossing the finish line first.
For the 3-mile course, trophies are awarded to the top three female and top three male finishers. For the 11-mile course, prize money is awarded to the top ten female and top ten male finishers, with the first-place prize being $500.
A pre-race party with food and music is scheduled for the Friday before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.