What if you could market to an audience that always wears two pairs of shoes? Kudos to The Running Shop for recognizing opportunity and to Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary for supplying the four legged runners. And so it was that the other major sporting event in Tucson yesterday was El Tour de Tucson, whoops, I mean the inaugural Burros & Burritos Social Run .

I bet you're thinking, those burros aren't really runners. Be advised then that a couple of these dudes have run Leadville hauling packs for their biped teammates. They're doing the short course, not the full 100, but still that means that they're covering 22 miles or so on rough terrain completely devoid of oxygen (seriously, there's no oxygen). I left Brandi Fenton Park pretty impressed with these guys, not only as runners, but as companions. They're way friendlier and more personable/alert than any horses I've interacted with (OK, horse people, tell me different). Better yet, everyone who participated can post that they 'Hauled Ass Like Never Before!' on the River Path.

Running with donkeys on one beautiful day is not the whole story here, of course. Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary in Benson began modestly in 1997 to become a loving home for donkeys whose options (other than the proverbial glue factory) were looking slim. You can sense that these animals are appreciative for all the love. If you buy prints or downloads from this gallery, my proceeds will be donated to 'Forever Home'. Not ready to buy/contribute yet? You can share all your favorite images from this gallery using the "Share" button on each pic. Rather I did that for you? If you were there, give me your two favorite photo numbers and I'll post them to Facebook for you. Hee-haw! Thanks!