August 31, 2024
Pack Burro Racing has a long and colorful history in the West, and South Fork is now host to an annual event sanctioned by The Western Pack Burro Racing Association. Join in as a spectator or as a participant (you’ll need to own or rent a burro!). There’s no riding in this sport; folks run alongside burros. And this is NOT an average foot race: even the fastest racer can be humbled by their running partner (with a mind of its own!).
Starting Line
Pack Burro Race starts at 10am at Brown's Park in South Fork.
Runner must have personal burro or have made arrangements to borrow a burro. Runners cannot participate in this race without a burro (no other equine permitted)- this is a burro race. Solo runners are NOT allowed to participate. No riding allowed- this is an in hand trail race with a burro. Burros shall be in good health and sound condition. Any runner mistreating their burro will be disqualified.
If you don't want to race, but still want to participate, sign up as a volunteer! Volunteer Info
The Alder Ass Race is a pack burro race sanctioned by The Western Pack Burro Racing Association.
2023 Schedule of Events - Check back for 2024!
WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 30, 2023 - 6 PM, South Fork Community Center
Mandatory Meeting for Race Volunteers and Race Committee
THURSDAY. AUGUST 31, 2023: Burro/human teams begin arriving at Brown's Park from Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 • LOGE Wolf Creek, 4-6pm
Meet and Greet the burros at the LOGE Wolf Creek Courtyard. Famous burros on site for petting, snuggling, photo opps, and autographs. Then enjoy the BIG ASS Pre-Race Party from 6-8pm. One beverage ticket provided for each.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
7am: Rios Taco Shack Food Truck opens breakfast (7-10 AM) & lunch (10 AM-3 PM)
7am: Drift Away Mobile Coffee Trailer opens (7-3 PM)
8am: GAMES OPEN
- Time's the Ticket- Guess the winning times for the 3-Mile and 11-Mile race
- Dumping for Dollars: Buy a poop drop square. When the donkeys start the race, the owner of the square with the first poop* wins!
- Bucket Raffles: Buy a bunch of raffle tickets and deposit as many as you want in the buckets next to the prizes you want to win. Dozens of great items to try for.
- Silent Auction: Bid on golf outings, paintings, metal sculpture, ceramic sculpture, float trips, exquisite jewelry, artwork, and other great items.
- Duck Races on the Rio Grande: Purchase a numbered plastic duck. All the ducks are dumped in the Rio Grande about ¼ mile upstream of Brown's Park and the first duck to float to Brown's Park is declared the winner!
9am-3pm: VENDORS - local products from a variety of friendly folks
11am-2pm: Live Music
9:30-9:45am: Burro/human teams begin lining up at START/FINISH Line
9:45-9:55am: Last call for competitors at START LINE
10am: Annual Alder Ass Race begins
10:35-10:45am: First 3-mile teams arrive at Finish Line
11:30-11:45am: First 11-mile teams arrive at Finish Line
3pm: Awards Ceremony under the tent at Brown's Park