
From the Organizer
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
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
71°
Typical Low
43°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Fairplay S Park Rd.
Host City
Population
851
as of 2023
Elevation
9,941 ft
Nearest Airport
ASE
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) · 47 mi
Major Hub
COS
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport · 75 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at World Championship Pack Burro Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
48
Days to train
Coming Up
Race in the Clouds - Alma Dirt Festival 2026
5 miles away
Burro Buster 5k
Less than a mile away
Independence Day Freedom 5K
28 miles away
Silverheels Trail Runs
11 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
World Championship Pack Burro Race
Jul 26, 2026