River & Rails Donkey Dash

The first donkey race in Idaho! 3, 6 & 9 mile burro race. Walkers and hikers are welcome. You must have your own donkey-no "rentals" will be available. The course will be run as an out and back along the Weiser River Trail following the Weiser River through canyons and open farm land on the old Pacific and Idaho Northern railroad corridor. There is very little elevation change on the course. What is Burro Racing? First, let's talk about what a burro is. “Burro” is the Spanish word for donkey. “Pack burro racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western state's mining histories.[1] In the early days of the mining industry in Colorado, miners would take donkeys (burros in Spanish) through the mountains of Colorado while prospecting. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animals and so they would walk, leading the donkey. Burro races are held throughout small towns in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico to commemorate the miners and their burros. In 2012, pack burro racing was recognized as the official "summer heritage sport" in Colorado. Legend holds that the races trace back to an incident in which two miners, finding gold at the same location simultaneously, raced each other to the claims office. Because the burros were too small or loaded to carry their owners, the miners were forced to run, leading the burros.” (Wikipedia) During a burro race, a runner and a burro run/walk a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a lead rope. Depending on the event, pack saddles may be used and runner’s gear can be carried by the burro. At the River & Rails Donkey Dash, there will be a 3-mile course, a 6-mile, or a 9-mile course. For beginners and people who just want to experience a donkey community, the 3-mile course is a great starting point. You can jog/walk and just get an overall feel for the sport. This is a fun and