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
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. Rental and loaner details are in the works.
What is pack burro racing?
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.
🏃 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
Intro Course (~3 miles)
21 / 125
teams registered
Long Course (~12 miles)
14 / 75
teams registered
Short Course (~6 miles)
12 / 100
teams registered
The courses
Long Course
~12 miles
The marquee run for experienced teams — forest roads and singletrack through the pines with real climbing at 7,000 feet.
Short Course
~6 miles
A solid challenge for runners newer to racing with a burro, or seasoned teams that want a faster day.
Intro Course
~3 miles
First time on a lead rope? This is the one. A friendly distance to learn what burro racing is about.
Race organizer? Registration numbers, messages, and website requests live in your dashboard.
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