Georgetown, Colorado
May 24, 2008
Available distances:
8 mi
Event URL: http://www.packburroracing.com
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Approx 8 miles from Georgetown to Empire and back. Weigh-in time: 10:00 am. Start time: 11:00 am.
Our group seeks to continue a great sport begun by some of Colorado's 19th-century miners. Those hardy characters used burros (Spanish for donkeys) to carry their mining tools and supplies through the Rocky Mountains as they prospected for gold, silver, and other valuable ores. Since the burros were carrying a full load, the miners had to walk, leading the animal with a rope. Legend has it that two miners found gold in the same location, and raced each other back to town to be the first to stake a claim to the find. Neither could ride their animal because of its load, so one of the basic rules of burro racing was established ("No riding"). Another legend is that burro racing began as drunken miners in a Leadville bar sought a way to make some money in a less back-breaking manner than with pick and shovel. The burro-racing season runs from late May through August. There are presently six events in six mountain towns. Each event is part of a festival celebrating the town's history. The "Triple Crown" races are in Fairplay, Leadville, and Buena Vista. The remaining three races are in Georgetown, Cripple Creek, and Idaho Springs.
Carrying and use of firearms on the course will not be permitted.
Contact Information:
Event Information
Email:
Phone Number: (800) 550-1820
Fax Number: Not Provided
Organization Information
Organization: Western Pack Burro Ass-Ociation
URL: No URL Provided
Email: Not Provided
Phone Number: Not Provided
Fax Number: Not Provided
