During Tibetan harvest festivals, decorated yaks race across the plains at speeds of up to 25 mph.

Yak racing is a centerpiece of the Shoton Festival, also known as the Yogurt Festival, which has been celebrated since the 11th century in Lhasa, Tibet. While yaks are typically known as slow-moving pack animals, they are capable of sprinting at speeds of 40 kilometers per hour (25 mph) for short distances. This speed is remarkable considering the high-altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau, which sits at an average elevation of 4,500 meters (14,800 feet).The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) has evolved specific physiological traits to handle such physical exertion in thin air. They have larger lungs and hearts than cattle found at lower altitudes, and their blood has a higher concentration of red blood cells to transport oxygen more efficiently. During the race, these biological advantages allow them to maintain high-energy bursts without succumbing to altitude sickness.The races typically cover distances between 500 and 1,000 meters. Riders, often young men from local nomadic families, do not use traditional saddles but instead use simple pads and colorful rugs. The event is culturally significant as it demonstrates the bond between the Tibetan people and the animals that provide them with milk, fiber, and transport. Research by the International Yak Association highlights these events as vital for maintaining the genetic diversity and physical fitness of the herds.