Backcountry Burro Races Draw Enthusiasts in Cerrillos, N.M.
SANTA FE, N.M. – The town of Cerrillos is set to host an exciting backcountry burro race, where runners partner with pack burros—donkeys with a rich Old West history. Approximately 70 teams will participate in the unique event, which nods to the mining era when burros carried essential gear to land claims offices. Competitors will navigate a challenging 6-mile and 3-mile course, leading their burros by rope through the picturesque desert landscape.
Racers often obtain burros through adoption or from previous owners, and novices can easily rent one for the event. The races are lively—starting with a frenzied sprint, as participants majorly rely on their burros, which, unlike horses, may stop and assess their surroundings when faced with uncertainty.
Joe Polonsky, a competitor since 2018, highlights the challenge and charm of burro racing, noting that his burro, Jake, often leads the way. The sport has expanded since its inception after World War II and is now a recognized state-heritage event in Colorado. Teams vie for Western belt buckles, including a “last ass” award for the final finisher, embodying the fun and camaraderie of this growing sport.
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