Run with a burro.
Race through the pines.
Burros in the Pines is a brand-new pack burro race in Flagstaff, Arizona — teams of one runner and one burro, side by side on mountain trails at 7,000 feet.
Saturday, June 26, 2027
The Burros Bray in
A Benefit for Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary — a 501(c)(3) organization
Inaugural year
Be part of the story from mile one. Finishers of year one become the answer to a trivia question forever.
Three course options
From an approachable intro loop to a long course with real climbing — distances being finalized now.
Burros available
You don't need to own a burro to race. Lease burros are available on a first-come, first-served basis via RSVP — reserve yours ASAP, they go quick. Contact Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary on Facebook, through their website, or by phone to reserve a partner.
What on earth is a pack burro race?
It's one of the oldest — and strangest — mountain sports in the American West. A runner and a burro cover the course together as a team: the burro carries a pack saddle, the runner carries the snacks, and nobody rides. You can lead your burro, follow your burro, or (on a good day) get towed by your burro. The burro always has opinions.
The sport traces back to old mining-country legends of prospectors racing each other back to town to stake a claim, burro in hand. Today it's a growing trail sport with a simple ethic at its core: the burro's welfare comes first, every mile.
This race benefits
Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary
a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn about the cause →
🏃 Want to race?
Course options, rules, and burro rentals — everything a first-timer or veteran needs.
Start here →📣 Want to watch?
The start is chaos in the best way and the finish line is even better. See the race-day schedule and where to be.
Race-day schedule →🤝 Want to help?
Volunteers and sponsors make an inaugural race happen. We'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch →Registration
The Tenderfoot Trot (~3 miles)
30 / 125
teams registered
The Mother Lode (13 miles)
23 / 75
teams registered
The Prospector's Pursuit (~6 miles)
21 / 100
teams registered
Where to find us
📍 Fort Tuthill County Park — Equestrian Center
Just south of Flagstaff off I-17 — pine forest, cool air, and room for burros, trailers, and spectators alike.
View the park map ↗🚗 Getting there
Race-day parking, staging details, and directions to the equestrian center will be posted with the final schedule — the map above shows the lay of the land.
The courses
The Tenderfoot Trot
~3 miles
First time on a lead rope? This is the one. A friendly distance to learn what burro racing is about.
The Prospector's Pursuit
~6 miles
A solid challenge for runners newer to racing with a burro, or seasoned teams that want a faster day.
The Mother Lode
13 miles
The marquee run for experienced teams — forest roads and singletrack through the pines with real climbing at 7,000 feet.
Get your ASS in gear and Register
Register on RunSignup →Race organizer? Registration numbers, messages, and website requests live in your dashboard.
Organizer Login