CERRILLOS, N.M. — Backcountry runners are taking on the physical and emotional challenge of racing alongside pack burros, whose pace doesn’t always match that of their human counterparts. These unique races pay homage to the Old West’s history, relying heavily on the partnership between a runner and a burro. The term “burro,” derived from Spanish, refers to donkeys and their wild relatives, which have to carry traditional mining gear—saddle, pick, pan, and shovel—as a nod to the legendary rush of miners to stake land claims.
On a recent Saturday, around 70 teams showcased their skills in a race set within the historical, turquoise-mining town of Cerrillos in northern New Mexico. Participants guided their burros along 6-mile (10-kilometer) and 3-mile (5-kilometer) courses, navigating unpaved roads and desert trails. More ambitious races in neighboring Colorado can stretch up to 30 miles (48 kilometers).
Enthusiasts often acquire burros from previous owners who may not have the resources or patience to care for them. Others adopt burros managed by the government to prevent overpopulation. For those curious about the sport, renting a burro is an accessible option.
The Cerrillos race, which served as a setting for the 1980s Western film “Young Guns,” began with an energetic start as teams sprinted to the lead, with the burros instinctively matching their pace. While riding the burros is prohibited, racers can push, pull, or encourage their animals, avoiding any form of abuse. Techniques include swinging ropes like lassos or calling out commands such as “Hup, hup!”
Joe Polonsky from Monument, Colorado, entered the burro racing scene in 2018. Though he considers himself an average ultramarathoner, burro racing has allowed him to excel. Speaking about his four-legged teammate Jake, he remarked, “I am fortunate because Jake does like to be up front at the start of the race, so I will let him pull me.”
Burros in these races are equipped with a halter, a less restrictive device than a horse’s bridle, attached to a 15-foot (4.5-meter) rope held by the runner. Some racers secure the rope around their waists, effectively drafting behind their burro.
In Cerrillos, Marvin Sandoval from Leadville, Colorado, and his mini burro, Buttercup, claimed victory, finishing the longer course in just over 49 minutes. With hundreds of spectators cheering them on, their closest competitors were left far behind. Sandoval attributes his success to Buttercup, whom he describes as unicorn-like: “She wants to be out front, she climbs really well.”
While burros are often characterized as stubborn, experienced racers argue that this is a misconception. Instead, they describe these animals as intelligent and curious, with an instinct to assess potential dangers by coming to a halt, contrary to horses, which tend to flee.
Healthy burros can live over 40 years, ranging from smaller “minis” weighing 300 pounds (135 kilograms) to larger “mammoths.” Burros have been part of the region’s history for over 400 years, brought north from Mexico City by Spanish settlers and Catholic friars.
For those renting or borrowing a burro, it’s advisable to meet with their racing partner early, likened by Lisa Kazmar, a burro owner from Edgewood, New Mexico, to a blind date experience. “You don’t know what the new donkey is going to do. It can be very scary,” she notes.
Burro racing saw its origins shortly after World War II in the depopulated mining towns of Colorado and is now recognized as an official state-heritage sport. Prominent events occur in Leadville, Buena Vista, and Fairplay, where the spirit of county fairs mixes with athletic challenges.
The Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation, with a penchant for pun-filled names, oversees modern races ranging from the Tombstone Donkey Dash in Arizona to a newly introduced “burro stampede” in New Mexico’s Magdalena Mountains. Tennessee joined the action five years ago, hosting an annual race in April.
Sponsors of these events typically include veterinary clinics and brands specializing in athletic wear, hydration products, and snacks. At Cerrillos, teams competed for Western-inspired belt-buckle trophies, with even a “last ass” award for the participant who finished last.
Building a successful team is a labor of love, according to Shane Weigand from Edgewood, New Mexico. Weigand, involved in organizing burro races, emphasizes the importance of the runner-burro bond, stating, “You have to spend a lot of time on the trail with your burro, building up that relationship and trust.”