Burros have packed supplies for miners, ranchers, pioneers and farmers for decades around Colorado's mountain communities during the 19th and 20th centuries, helping move gems, silver, and lumber from Silverton to Leadville.

In 2025, burros have a new job — but it's at least a fun one. They will be carrying supplies for racers of the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run, replacing the llamas that The Hopeless Crew used to carry supplies to the aid station near the summit of Hope Pass the previous 22 years.

"The burros’ primary job will be to haul the filtered water from the lake near Hope Pass to the aid station," Monument resident Joe Polonsky said.

On Thursday at the Willis Gulch Trailhead, Polonsky and Jake the Trail Running Burro prepped their load for the 4-mile trek. Polonsky pl

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