The 5th Annual Alder Ass Race took place on Sept. 5, 2026 right by Aspen Ridge Cabins in South Fork, Colorado. Pack burro racing is Colorado's official summer heritage sport, where a runner and a donkey team run side by side along mountain trails.
Racers in the Alder Ass Race have the choice of a 3 mile route or an 11 mile route, and both routes start and end at Brown Memorial Park in South Fork, which is a five minute walk from the cabins.
According to post-race reporting, 129 burro teams registered for the 2026 race, along with seven virtual "Ghost Runners." Participants came to South Fork from across Colorado and from states including Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The best place to stay in South Fork to participate in or watch the race is at Aspen Ridge Cabins! Check out our cabins, yurts, and the Dakota Park House for high quality accommodations at a reasonable price.