The first year of the World Championship Pack Burro Race in 1949 saw 21 entrants with only 8 finishing the race. These days there are nearly 100 racers and burros that take on this historic challenge. Some choose the “lower altitude” short course of approximately 12.3 miles while others take on the long course and attempt the grueling climb to the top of Mosquito Pass and back, 29+ miles and an elevation change of 3,232'! The racers start at 9,953 feet in Fairplay with long course runners hitting their halfway point at the top of Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185'!
***Disclaimer: Staff are currently discussing a time limit for each course. Racers will have until a certain time to reach a specified checkpoint. If they reach the checkpoint after the required time, they will be directed to turn around and will receive a DNF.
Free race photos provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers at PBRphotos.org