South Fork Alder Ass Race
Join us for the 5th annual South Fork Alder Ass Race on Saturday, September 5, 2026! This is a unique endurance event that pairs runners with burros. Please note that if you do not own your own burro, you must secure a rental burro BEFORE registering for the race. Burro rentals are a separate fee and are not included with race registration. Do not register until you have been officially matched with a burro, as they are carefully paired with runners based on pace, experience, and temperament.
Ghost Runners are the only exception and may register without a burro.
Race Courses and Details:
- Alder Ass Race Standard Course: 11 Miles. Pack saddle & mining gear required. Boots or alternative hoof protection recommended. Some pavement, primarily forest service roads, possible water crossing. Out-and-back. Elevation gain: 1,100 ft. Max elevation: 9,350 ft.
- Alder Ass Race Mini Course: 3 Miles. Pack gear optional. Mostly pavement, small portion on forest service road. Out-and-back. Elevation gain: 75 ft. Max elevation: 8,250 ft.
- Ghost Runners: 3 Miles (assumed same as Mini Course).
Rules and Requirements:
- Pack Saddle & Required Gear: Each burro must carry a pack saddle with traditional prospector's paraphernalia: Gold Pan, Pick, Shovel. Missing gear results in disqualification (DQ).
- Lead Rope Requirements: Must be attached to a halter, single lead rope only, maximum length 15 feet.
- Control of Burro: Runner must maintain control at all times. Dropped lead rope requires returning to the point it was dropped.
- Team = 1 Runner + 1 Burro: Teams must start and finish together. No swapping burros.
- Finish Line: The burro’s nose crossing the finish line determines placement. Runners may push, pull, or carry their burro, but no riding is allowed.
- Veterinary Checks: Recommended for burro owners. Out-of-state burros require a Negative Coggins & Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
- Disqualifications: Mistreatment of burro, NO clubs, NO drugging, NO electric prods, NO needles, NO whips.
- Firearms: Not permitted during the race.
Participant Waivers/Release of Liability:
All participants must sign a waiver and/or release of responsibility before the race. This event falls under the Colorado Equine Act, limiting liability for equine professionals.
Aid Stations & Awards:
- Aid Stations at Mile 1.5 and Mile 5.5.
- 3 Mile Awards: Trophies for top three female and male finishers.
- 11 Mile Awards: Prize money for top ten female and male finishers (1st- $500, 2nd- $250, 3rd- $125, 4th- $75, 5th- $50, 6th- $50, 7th- $50, 8th- $25, 9th- $25, 10th- $25).
Withdrawal Policy:
All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Camping:
Free camping is available at the start/finish at Brown Memorial Park. Water and portable restrooms are on site.
BIG Ass Pre-Race Party:
Friday, September 4, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Food by Gone Rogue, music by Leaky Nozzle Productions, burros, and official race packet pickup.
Photo Credit: Ashlee Bratton with Ashography http://ashography.com
This special event is held under permit from the U.S. Forest Service- Divide Ranger District.