Penn National Ostrich Race 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Do they have ostrich races? ›

Some peculiar critters have made their yearly pilgrimage to Virginia City over the past several decades to be part of the International Camel and Ostrich Races—a beloved annual event part of the Virginia City story for more than 60 years now.

Opened in 1972, racing at Penn National runs year-round over the 1 mile dirt and (weather permitting) 7f turf course.

Ostrich racing is more than just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon that offers a window into the diversity of human entertainment and our enduring fascination with the animal kingdom. Its blend of history, humor, and sheer spectacle makes it a must-see for anyone looking for an experience out of the ordinary.

Purchase Price

On average, an adult ostrich can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, with some premium breeds costing up to $20,000. Young ostriches, also known as chicks, can be purchased for as little as $100 to $500. However, it's important to note that the cost of purchasing ostriches is just the beginning.

I grew up in Zimbabwe, which is where ostriches are native, and in fact, my neighbors had an ostrich farm. So I spent a lot of time riding ostriches as a kid.

Expansion (1996–2021) Penn National expanded beyond its first racetrack with the acquisitions of Pocono Downs in 1996, Charles Town Races in 1997, and, in 1999, a half interest in Freehold Raceway and the operations of Garden State Park.

Catch the excitement of live horse racing over our one-mile main track Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Post time is now 5:45 p.m. on race days. Paddock Café is open on Friday nights during live racing. Keep scrolling to see our calendar of special events!

In 2013, the inaugural Penn Mile on turf was run. Its first winner was three-year-old Rydilluc, which finished with a time of 1:33.99.

Since an ostrich is the fastest land bird, topping out about 43 mph, and the average (not a racehorse) horse tops out between 30 - 35 mph, the horse would not likely be able to outrun the ostrich, though he would try to.

Ostriches can't fly, but no birds can match their speed on land. Ostriches are the fastest running birds in the world! Scientists have seen ostriches run continuously at speeds of 30-37 mph and sprint up to 43 mph.

What if an ostrich kicks you? ›

When attacking a person, ostriches kick with their powerful feet, armed with long claws, which are capable of disemboweling or killing a person with a single blow [1].

Minnesota and Wisconsin are the biggest ostrich-producing states in the region, with about 250 ostriches coming out of Minnesota and 200 from Wisconsin. The Dakotas each produce fewer than 100 birds each year.

You cannot ride an ostrich in the US. In the 1800s, ostrich riding was popular in Florida, but now the practice of ostrich riding has all but disappeared. Those that are still there no longer offer ostrich rides.

No, there are not ostrich races at the festival. Ostriches will be onsite roaming freely in a designated area.

The family-favorite event takes place at the Virginia City Fairgrounds and Arena and features food trucks serving up carnival-style treats, craft and artist vendors, a wide variety of beverages at the event bars, official Camel Races merch, and camel rides for that must-have photo-op.