Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
The Beat learned that 74 burros (donkeys) and their leaders registered and signed in to run or walk the 3-mile or 6-mile course leaving from the start line on Broadway and returning to the same line for the finish.
The event is hosted by New Mexico Burros, and this was the second annual race. in Silver City
The burros ranged in size from quite small to as big as a horse. Many of the leaders of their (or borrowed) burros ran the course and others followed behind walking the course,
Before the race started volunteers who organized the event handed out small stuffed burros to all of the kids in the audience . Pictured is Audri Orosco holding her tiny burro.
The race began at 10 .m.. The first runner to cross the finish line less than an hour after the start was Madelin Wilson of Las Cruces leading Eugene. Second to cross right behind her was Alejandra Slentz of Santa Fe leading Pollo, and third was Keri Bannon of Hillsboro, leading Radar and pushing an excited child in a wheelchair that she had pulled out of the large crowd of spectators.
After the race, several people and their burros stuck around to chat with those gathered. Pictured is Dan Cok holding Betty Davis Eyes for her owner.
According to the website https://www.nmpackburros.com/event-details/2026-silver-lode-scramble-pack-burro-race :
"The 2nd annual Silver Lode Scramble brings the grit, history, and spirit of pack burro racing to the heart of Silver City, New Mexico. Starting on historic Broadway Avenue, runners and their burro partners surge through the vibrant downtown before climbing into the rugged trails of Boston Hill Open Space. Once a hub of hard-rock mining, Boston Hill is now a unique landscape of winding singletrack, panoramic views, and relics of the mining era—making it a perfect stage for this heritage-rich sport.
"Athletes will tackle either 6-mile or 3-mile courses, each filled with steep climbs, sharp descents, and the unpredictable dynamics of working alongside their burros. Cheered on by crowds lining Broadway and at trailheads across the course, the race will capture the small-town energy and community pride that define Silver City."
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