SOUTH FORK — The South Fork Friends Foundation has had a busy summer with several events taking place throughout the last few months but now the organization is going to literally hit the trails around South Fork running with their inaugural Alder Ass Race.

Burro racing throughout the San Luis Valley has gained in popularity over the last several years and now there will be one to look forward to each year in South Fork.

The race is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 3, and will begin and end at Brown's Park in South Fork.

“We expect 50 to 60 teams of racing burros with their human runners, and we are really looking towards having a great time,” said SFFF President Luke Brennan. Brennan has been so excited he took a pair of burros out and about last week for some photo opportunities and promoted the event with his fuzzy companions.

Each burro must be equipped with a pack saddle carrying traditional mining gear of gold pan, pick, and shovel for the 8-mile and 19.25-mile courses. Items may be carried inside saddle bags or may be attached and displayed to pack saddle. Traditional mining gear may be checked at the finish line. There shall be no minimum weight requirement for burros to carry.

According to Brennan, the race is still in dire need of some more volunteers.

“There are a large number of volunteer positions available from working the registration table to timers, aid station personnel, ticket sellers, parking attendants, photographers, and more. We will take all the help we can get,” said Brennan.

To volunteer, go to the website to the heading that says “More", then click on "Volunteer". This will display the open volunteer positions and how many are needed. A waiver form can be filled out online. All volunteers will need to attend a pre-race meeting which will be on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m., at the South Fork Community Center. The Alder Ass Race website is www.adventuresignup.com/Race/CO/SouthFork/SouthForkAlderAssRace.

For more information, call or text Brennan at 315-382-6200.