The inaugural Silver Lode Scramble brings the grit, history, and spirit of pack burro racing to the heart of Silver City, New Mexico. Starting on historic Broadway Avenue, runners and their burro teammates surge through the vibrant downtown before climbing into the rugged trails of Boston Hill Open Space. Once a hub of hard-rock mining, Boston Hill is now a unique landscape of winding singletrack, panoramic views, and relics of the mining era—making it a perfect stage for this heritage-rich sport.

Athletes tackle either a 6-mile or 3-mile courses, each filled with steep climbs, sharp descents, and the unpredictable dynamics of working alongside their burros. Total elevation change is <500ft for the long course. Cheered on by crowds lining Broadway and at trailheads across the course, the race captures the small-town energy and community pride that define Silver City.

This year’s event is held alongside Western New Mexico University’s Homecoming Weekend, weaving the race into a larger celebration of culture, tradition, and endurance. From first-time participants to seasoned racers, the Silver Lode Scramble is more than just a race—it is a living connection to New Mexico’s mining past and its adventurous present.

The Silver Lode Scramble is now a cornerstone of the Strike It Rich Burro Race Series, joining Cerrillos, Magdalena, and other historic mining towns in honoring the legacy of the burro while building a bold, community-driven future for outdoor adventure in New Mexico.