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 (lowered from 15 miles in 2025) 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 feet! The racers start at 9,953 feet in Fairplay and hit the halfway point at the top of Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185!

Free race photos provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers at PBRphotos.org

***Rule Change: TIME CUTOFF – Teams registered for the Long Course must reach Checkpoint 6 – Outbound by 4:00pm in order to continue the course. If the team does not meet this requirement, they will have two options. The team can choose to turn around and take the designated course back to town in order to receive credit for their completed miles OR the team can choose to be trailered out which will result in a DNF. The runner is responsible for organizing transportation off of the course. Town of Fairplay will not provide transportation. There is no cutoff time for the Short Course.

***Disclaimer: Jack chains are no longer prohibited (changed in 2025). Jack chains may be used only if used with a pressure-release technique. (A jack chain is a chain or strap which is used to apply pressure over the muzzle, under the chin, or through the mouth).

***The Short Course route was updated in 2025. While the new course is shorter (12.3 miles approx.) than the traditional course (15 miles), racers will find a more challenging experience with several steep ascents and descents after diverging from the original outbound path. Racers will navigate wooded dirt roads, giving access to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and will be greeted by a tranquil high alpine pond as they pass the halfway point. Upon completing the loop, burro teams will finish the race along the traditional inbound trail. 

• Past Race Winners: Click here for past winners
• Win $500: Click here