The Edgewood-based Strike It Rich Pack Burro Race Series will return this year with four races across historic mining communities, organizers announced Tuesday.
The series will kick off May 2 in Cerrillos, followed by races in Magdalena on May 16, Ruidoso on Aug. 22 and Silver City on Sept. 12. All events are scheduled for Saturdays.
More than 50 teams are expected to compete at each race, with runners partnering with burros on demanding mountain trail courses that pay homage to the state’s mining heritage. Pack burro racing, a sport dating back decades, combines endurance running with animal partnership.
“These races are about more than competition — they celebrate New Mexico’s mining heritage, small towns, and the enduring relationship between people, burros, and the land,” said Shane Weigand, event director.
The series drew over 3,000 spectators in 2025 and generated economic benefits for the host communities. Organizers anticipate larger crowds this year as interest in heritage-based outdoor events continues to grow.
The series recently won the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s 2025 Adventure Pitch award, which recognizes innovation, cultural relevance and contributions to outdoor tourism.
Events feature downtown starts, mountain trails and family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors with New Mexico’s history. Race details and registration information will be released soon, according to organizers.
Weigand founded New Mexico Pack Burros in 2016 to revive pack burro racing in the state. More information is available at nmpackburros.com.