By Devinnie Lynch
A sport like no other, gear up and pack your donkey! Wait? Did you say a donkey? That's right, Pack Burro Racing is coming to Raton this summer!
Photo by New Mexico Pack Burros
What is it and how can I get involved? A Pack Burro Race is an exciting event that takes runners on a journey through mountainous terrain while leading a donkey with a 15-foot rope. Typical race routes range from three to 29 miles; Raton's burro race will use the common 5-to-8-mile range for beginning racers. The burros are required to carry a typical load prospectors would carry on a gold mining adventure like a pickaxe, shovel, and gold pan.
Running with a donkey while its saddle is packed is a tribute to the sport's historical origin. Legend has it that as two prospectors hit gold at the same time, someone had to file a claim at the prospector's office first, so it became a race. It is believed to have originated in Leadville, Colorado in 1949, an area heavy with gold miners. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of pack burro racing, this unusual sport has quickly gained popularity in neighboring states and we're ecstatic to now take part in it.
The Raton Pack Burro Race is the result of Shayne Young, a community-driven entrepreneur and business owner. Young's original plans of hosting eventually led him to find Raton an ideal location due to its scenic mountain views and extensive walking trails. Young and his wife Sandra are proprietors of Moss Adventures, a travel company that utilizes unique field experience to teach wilderness survival skills. Given his love for outdoor activities, Young found it fitting to bring the Pack Burro Race to Raton.
Incorporating exciting activities into the main event to attract families and tourists, Young's mission is to unite the community and encourage people to shop locally. To raise funds for a nonprofit at Blue Sky Ranch, the race is hosting a miniature petting zoo where you can meet adorable animals or enjoy a burro kissing booth named "Kiss My Ass." Additionally, you can participate in a betting system to guess where a donkey will drop its waste on a grid.
For more information on Pack Burro Racing, go to packburroracing.org
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