River & Rails Donkey Dash 2026

Description

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 easy course! It is also a great opportunity to get your burro introduced to events and get you out on the trails together! What a great way to bond and exercise with your burro.

The Rules:

Lead Ropes

All burros must be properly fitted with a halter and lead rope no longer than 15 feet . The lead rope must be attached to the halter at all times.

Control of Burro

Participants must maintain control of their burro through handling of the lead rope that is attached to the burro’s halter. All teams must keep to the designated trail, with no cutting switchbacks or leaving the trail with the exception of passing on single-track trails. When passing is needed, handlers and their burros are to stay as close to the edge of the trail as possible. Those teams who are slower and/or walking must try to move over and allow the faster runners to pass. Be aware of who is around you and use trail courtesy at all times. If a team interferes with another team, the “out of control” team may be disqualified or given a warning. If the handler drops the rope and loses control of their animal, once the animal is collected again, that team must go back to the point on the trail where they lost control in order to not be disqualified. It is encouraged to try and finish the race. We want everyone to be safe and have fun!

Jack/Stud Chains

A jack/stud chain is a chain or strap that is used to apply pressure over the muzzle or under the chin. Jack/Stud chains may be used with a pressure/release technique to safely control a higher-spirited burro. Any team coming across the finish line with any injuries on the burro resulting from the jack/stud chain may be disqualified.

Team

A team consists of one handler with one burro and must stay a team for the entire race. You MUST have your own burro (donkey) or have prior arrangements to "rent" a burro from someone prior to registering. You may not join an existing team or an existing burro. No swapping burros with other partic