Run Donkey, Run

We've lived in Colorado for 27 years and this year we finally made it to "Donkey Derby Days" in Cripple Creek.


Cripple Creek and Victor saw their hay day during the gold rush years.  There's still an active gold mine in Victor.  These little donkeys could haul heavy loads up steep, narrow trails, or they could be used underground because of their petite size.


When technology changed the donkey were just turned loose in the 1920s.  They roam the streets of Cripple Creek during the summer and in the winter they have a winter pasture.


A non-profit was formed in 1931 (the Two Mile High Club) to provide for their care.  The donkeys are showcased in a couple festivals during the year.  One of them is Donkey Derby Days and this year we finally got to see the little cuties.


We dressed for summer, but we wished we had worn long pants and jackets.  It was a little chilly at that altitude.


Teams of two are assigned a donkey and they run from one end of the main street to the other.  The national guard comes out to help provide encouragement for the donkeys.





It wasn't an easy run as we had expected.  Cripple Creek is at 9,456 feet and the run is probably about half a mile and uphill.  Lots of teams were huffing and puffing when they reached the finish line.


Here they are at the finish line waiting to crown the winners.  

I have to admit I felt bad for the donkeys.  There's only 14 donkeys and each of them has to run the race multiple times per day.  I'd be exhausted doing it just once.


This adorable bovine was hanging out at the petting zoo.  For some reason Irv doesn't think I need my own highland cow.


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