Every spring, the dusty trails of Cerrillos come alive with the sound of hooves and trainers as dozens of runners team up with burros for the annual Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race. This unique event sees about 70 human-donkey duos navigating three- and six-mile courses, a nod to the days when miners and their trusty pack animals worked these very hills.

Pack burro racing began in Colorado after World War II and has since spread to a few western states, including Arizona, California and now New Mexico. Burro is a Spanish-derived word for donkeys and their wild cousins.

Each burro is outfitted with traditional mining gear – like pans and pickaxes – paying tribute to the pack animals that once hauled equipment for prospectors seeking fortune.

The event isn’t only about speed. Success in burro racing depends on trust and teamwork. Runners don’t ride their animals; they lead them by rope, coaxing rather than commanding. The relationship between racer and burro can make or break the run. Some donkeys charge ahead; others stubbornly stall. It’s this unpredictability – and the bond that grows from it – that keeps racers coming back.

In true burro racing spirit, the final finisher isn’t mocked but celebrated with the tongue-in-cheek “last ass” award. It’s a reminder that this sport isn’t just about winning, it’s about honouring history, connecting with animals and enjoying the journey across the rugged New Mexico landscape.