Event Description

Please join us for the inaugural Black Canyon City Donkey Derby on Saturday, March 13th, 2021.

This is a team event that pairs donkey with runner/walker. Burro running is a team event, the team being comprised of a runner and a burro/donkey. Runners must supply or arrange for their own burro. Burros will not be provided. It is very important that participants spend time practicing and getting to know their burro and understand burro etiquette before the event. No other type of equine or animal will be permitted on the course. Pack saddles are recommended but not required. Burros must wear a halter and be led with a single lead rope. Halters may be rope or webbed. A jack chain may be used with a webbed halter and can pass over the nose or under the chin. Any injury to the burro due to use or misuse of the chain will result in a non-completion. No bits, reins or sticks of any kind will be permitted. It is recommended that participants use appropriate trail running footwear and carry their own water. Gloves are recommended to prevent rope burn and protection from falls in cactus and rocks. The 6 &9 mile course is rocky and steep in places. Boots for the burro are recommended but not required.

There is a costume contest at 8AM Saturday morning. The $20 entry fee will go towards winner takes all. The contest will be awarded by 8:30 so contestants will have plenty of time to prepare their running partner for the Donkey Derby. The obstacle challenge will be on Friday at 4PM. $20 entry at the gate at which time the challenge rules will be announced and competition order will be drawn. It consists of 4 obstacles to be completed within 3 minutes. Fastest team completing all obstacles wins the purse. No chain, whip or stick of any kind permitted in the obstacle challenge.

RULES

Please check in with your burro upon arrival and prior to 8AM March 13th. The check in will be open Noon Friday until 8AM Saturday. There will be a run meeting at 7AM Saturday morning at which time the start, course conditions and procedure will be discussed. Please plan on attending without burro. During the Donkey Derby, teams (1 person+1 burro) must remain a team from start to finish. No burro swapping. If the team becomes separated once you retrieve your running mate you must return to the spot that you became separated and proceed from there to be considered for prizes and placing. The runner is 100% responsible for the safe handling and welfare of the burro throughout the entire event. Good sportsmanship is encouraged and will be rewarded. Please be kind, considerate and have a great time enjoying our wonderful animals and our open spaces. That is what the Burro/Donkey community is all about. The runner may push, pull, drag or carry the burro. At no time may the burro be ridden. No contestant shall receive help deliberately from others. NOTE TO ALL 6 & 9 mile participants: This is not a beginners course there are steep inclines and rocky declines and a few sections of canyon trail that are going to require some fancy footwork by both team members. Please just slow down and enjoy the beauty. Safety first, competition second.

COVID PRECAUTIONS

Participants in this race agree to abide by the Center of Disease Control(CDC’s) recommendations for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 distancing and other safety guidelines issued by the state, the community, or by this race for participation in this event. Participants agree to follow COVID-19 guidelines including wearing a face/mask or covering unless able to maintain 6 foot of social distance.