Burro Derby
65th* Annual Apache Junction
happening at
Denver & Donkeys
Get your trusty long ear, your trusty lawn chair, and bring all the good vibes to Apache Junction's Prospector Park for the 65th Annual* Apache Junction Burro Derby! This approximately 5 mile course is flat and fast, although the scenery is so beautiful you and your burro may choose to simply mosey and enjoy for as long as possible.
*a small, 60 year event hiatus was observed.
Race Tidbits
Please read ALL rules on the race registration page before registering.
Contact BRAY with any questions.
BRAY urges all prospective participants to carefully read all rules and requirements prior to registering for a race. Participants agree that by registering for this race that they have read and understood all of the rules, requirements, and obligations described within this section, any links within this section, and the release waiver. By registering for this race participants understand and agree that they are responsible for getting themselves, in person, to all mandatory meetings, vet-ins, and check-ins described within the schedule or they will not be permitted to run.
Vet-in and pre-race meeting will be held the morning of the run, January 21st, 2023, prior to the start of the race. Teams must be present for both the pre-race meeting and vet-in in order to participate. The official schedule is TBD, but the vet-in and pre-race meeting will be held at some point between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30am, depending on how many entrants we have. Official schedule to come.
More about the race...
To start the day off after the vet-in and pre-race meeting, teams will parade from the equestrian camping area (campers may start arriving Friday afternoon for games, campfires, and burro shenanigans), in front of the main stage, to the start. At the ringing of the start bell they'll head toward the Superstition Mountains and the storied Lost Dutchman Mine before looping around and heading back to camp, finishing with approximately one straight, flat mile toward the trailers so your donkeys can get a nice ambitious hustle to the finish.
When the course is complete, finisher prizes are handed out, and your donkeys are cooled off and put away, its time to party! Head back over to the stage area to enjoy an afternoon of John Denver tribute bands, artisan and crafter booths, educational booths, games, and food trucks. When the concerts end feel free to keep the good vibes going and return to burro camp if you'd like for another night of campfire camaraderie before heading home on Sunday.
While historically the Apache Junction Burro Derbies have been no pack saddles allowed, you may choose to use one if you prefer.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.
All finishers will receive a finisher medal and baseball cap