Magdalena, New Mexico, is a village steeped in the rugged spirit of the Old West. Established in the 1880s, it flourished as a mining and ranching hub, with the nearby Kelly Mine yielding lead, silver, and zinc. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1885 transformed Magdalena into a vital shipping point for ore, livestock, and wool, earning it the nickname "Trails End." The historic stockyards, once bustling with cattle driven along the 125-mile Magdalena Livestock Driveway, remain a testament to its storied past. 
 

Given this rich heritage, pack burro racing is a natural fit for Magdalena. This sport, rooted in the mining traditions of the American West, involves runners leading burros laden with mining gear over challenging terrains. It commemorates the days when miners, unable to ride their burros due to heavy loads, would race on foot to stake their claims. The upcoming "Magdalena Burro Stampede," scheduled for Sunday, June 29th, 2025, celebrates this legacy, bringing together community spirit, athleticism, and a nod to the town's historical reliance on these steadfast animals. 
 

In Magdalena, pack burro racing isn't just a sport—it's a homage to a bygone era, reflecting the enduring bond between the town's residents and their resilient, four-legged companions