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# Running with Sherman: How a Rescue Donkey Inspired a Rag-tag Gang of Runners to Conquer America's Toughest Burro Races
In a world often fixated on elite human performance, an unlikely hero emerged from the dust of a neglected farm, inspiring a motley crew of runners to embark on one of America's most peculiar and demanding endurance challenges. "Running with Sherman," the captivating true story penned by best-selling author Christopher McDougall, chronicles the journey of a sickly rescue donkey named Sherman and the transformative power of an unconventional goal: competing in Colorado's historic burro races. This isn't just a tale of athletic endeavor; it's a testament to resilience, community, and the profound connection between humans and animals.
The Genesis of an Unlikely Friendship: Sherman's Story
The narrative begins with Sherman's dire circumstances. Discovered during an animal hoarding rescue operation, the donkey was in a deplorable state – underweight, suffering from multiple ailments, and deeply traumatized. Christopher McDougall, already a celebrated author known for his exploration of human endurance and the natural world, took Sherman in, hoping to provide him with a second chance at life on his Pennsylvania farm. However, Sherman's recovery proved to be a formidable challenge, both physically and emotionally.
McDougall, accustomed to the transformative power of running, soon realized that conventional methods weren't enough. Sherman needed a purpose, a reason to move and engage with the world beyond his past trauma. It was this realization that sparked an audacious idea: perhaps running, not just for exercise but for a specific goal, could be the key to unlocking Sherman's spirit and health. This seemingly outlandish notion laid the groundwork for an extraordinary adventure that would soon draw in a diverse cast of characters.
From Rehabilitation to Race Training: The Burro Race Connection
The concept of running with a donkey might seem novel, but it has deep roots in American history. McDougall discovered the unique sport of burro racing, a tradition born in Colorado during the 19th-century mining boom. Miners, often accompanied by their pack burros carrying tools and supplies, would race each other after striking gold. Today, these races celebrate that heritage, requiring a runner to lead their burro over challenging mountainous terrain, with the donkey carrying a pack saddle loaded with specific weight. It's a true test of partnership and endurance.
Embracing this heritage, McDougall set an ambitious target for Sherman: to compete in one of Colorado's famous pack burro races. The training regimen was anything but ordinary. It involved not just physical conditioning for both man and donkey but also building trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Sherman, initially resistant and prone to fits of stubbornness, slowly began to respond to the consistent routine and the patient encouragement of McDougall and his growing circle of friends. The journey was fraught with setbacks, but each small victory strengthened the bond and reinforced the belief in Sherman's potential.
Key aspects of burro racing include:- **Partnership:** The human runner must lead the burro; riding is strictly forbidden.
- **Pack Weight:** Donkeys must carry a regulation pack saddle with a minimum weight (e.g., 33 pounds), symbolizing the miners' tools.
- **Terrain:** Races traverse rugged mountain trails, often at high altitudes, demanding exceptional stamina from both participants.
- **Rules:** Specific rules govern how the burro is handled, emphasizing humane treatment and sportsmanship.
Assembling the "Rag-Tag" Crew: A Community United
As word spread about McDougall's unusual project, it began to attract an eclectic group of individuals. These weren't necessarily elite athletes or seasoned burro racers; rather, they were people from various walks of life, each drawn by the unique challenge, the allure of the outdoors, and, most importantly, the charismatic spirit of Sherman. From local farmers and experienced ultra-runners to complete novices looking for a new purpose, the "rag-tag" crew came together, united by a shared, unconventional goal.
This diverse collective formed a powerful support system. They trained together, sharing laughter, frustrations, and the sheer joy of running through nature with their equine companions. The community aspect became as vital as the physical training itself. Members offered encouragement, practical advice, and a sense of belonging, transforming what could have been a solitary pursuit into a vibrant communal endeavor. It illustrated how an inspiring mission, even one involving a donkey, can forge unexpected bonds and foster a powerful sense of camaraderie.
The "Craziest Race": Leadville and Beyond
While McDougall's previous work famously explored the human ultra-running scene in places like Copper Canyon, for Sherman, the "craziest race" referred to the intense and uniquely challenging Colorado Pack Burro Racing Triple Crown, culminating in the World Championship Pack Burro Race in Fairplay. These races are not for the faint of heart, demanding incredible endurance from both human and burro over high-altitude, unforgiving mountain trails. The spirit of extreme endurance running, familiar to fans of McDougall's writing, infused the preparation and execution of these events.
The races themselves were a crucible of emotion and physical exertion. Navigating steep ascents, treacherous descents, and unpredictable donkey behavior required constant vigilance, patience, and an unwavering belief in their partnership. For Sherman, it was a test of his newfound confidence and strength. For the runners, it was an experience that pushed their limits, teaching them profound lessons about perseverance, humility, and the unexpected rewards of stepping outside their comfort zones. Each race became a metaphor for life's challenges, demonstrating that with determination and the right companions, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Race
"Running with Sherman" is far more than a simple story about a donkey and a race. It's an inspiring narrative that encapsulates the power of second chances, the profound healing that can occur through purpose and connection, and the unexpected ways in which animals can enrich human lives. Sherman, once a forgotten and broken creature, not only found his own recovery but also became a catalyst for change, inspiring a community of runners to discover new depths of resilience, camaraderie, and joy.
The book reminds us that true strength isn't always found in winning, but in the journey itself – in the willingness to embrace the unconventional, to support one another, and to find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. It's a powerful testament to the idea that sometimes, the best way to save ourselves is by helping someone else, or in this case, by running alongside a rescue donkey towards a truly wild and wonderful goal.
