Outdoor recreation season in Superior, Arizona kicks off with a heehaw as the BRAY Superior Jackass Dash burro run and festival thunders back into town on Saturday, October 22.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday, the Superior Jackass Dash is simply unbeatable and is only a short drive from the Phoenix metro area. A good time for folks of any age, nothing puts a smile on a person’s face like a chance to interact with a sweet and fuzzy donkey.

Participants and spectators alike will flock to charming Main Street where pairs of runners and their long-eared teammates will toe the start line at 8:30 a.m. to eagerly anticipate the clang of the copper cow bell, sending them thundering off toward the unbeatable trails criss-crossing the Tonto National Forest to Arnett Canyon. Spectators awaiting the return of the teams can spend their time listening to the big brass music of the Pioneer Band as well as more modern hits spun by DJ Supetown, browse the art and farmers’ market, partake in the local flavors of the bars and restaurants, and peruse the boutiques, shops and galleries that call these historical buildings flanking Main Street “home.” A Kids’ Zone, Dizzy Donkey Derby (no donkey required), Day Course Pub Crawl, long-ear ambASSadors, and Best Bray Competition will round out the day, culminating in the BRAY Awards ASSembly at 4 p.m. to present awards handcrafted by local artists to the speediest, and not-so-speedy, burros of the day.

Begun in 2019, Arizona’s premier burro run offers a wonderful enrichment activity for these delightful animals who love an opportunity to cruise the desert with their human teammates. Burros of all shapes and sizes enjoy their outing, but runners, before you sign up let it be known there will be no riding your burro buddy, as that’s against the rules. You are welcome to hit the gym and bulk up to carry your burro, though, if they agree to the proposition.

The Superior Jackass Dash is hosted by the Town of Superior and Burros Rock Arizona & Yonder (BRAY), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to educating the public about donkeys and donkey hybrids, and improving the lives of said long-ears through owner education and enrichment activities. More information for spectators, prospective participants and sponsors can be found at www.jackassdash.com and questions can be emailed to BRAY at BurrosRock@gmail.com. As donkeys often have a natural aversion to dogs, for your dog’s safety please leave Fido at home.