An Edgewood-based burro racing company took first place Thursday at a statewide competition for outdoor recreation businesses, winning $10,000 in prize money.
New Mexico Pack Burros, founded by Shane Weigand, won the Adventure Pitch Fest pitch battle at the Albuquerque Rail Yards. The company was among eight finalists competing for cash prizes at the event organized by the state’s Outdoor Recreation Division.
Weigand received the award from Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero and Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo.
New Mexico Pack Burros aims to revitalize rural communities through burro racing, according to the Outdoor Recreation Division.
The free, family-friendly event drew outdoor businesses from across the state, including companies offering therapeutic horseback riding, backpacking meals, agritourism tours, fly-fishing equipment and llama-guided backcountry treks.
“From innovative gear makers to outdoor experience creators, you’re proving that outdoor recreation is a powerful economic driver for New Mexico,” officials said in announcing the winner.
