Idiotarod Shopping Cart Race Returns to NYC for its 14th Year

If you’re into the ridiculous, wacky events that New York City often plays host to, you might want to consider signing up for this year’s Idiotarod NYC, an annual, unsanctioned “race” where costumed teams decorate shopping carts and run through the streets of a deserted neighborhood. Now in its 14th year, the event puts a creative spin on the dogsled race in Alaska, except there will be no dogs and no sleds — unless, of course, “dogsledding” is the shopping cart theme you choose to opt for. While you won’t be mushing through the frozen tundra, it will still be pretty darn cold, so dress warmly and get your figurative engines ready.
This year’s race takes place on Saturday, January 27, according to the super-secret IDIOT Labs and the Department of Homeland Absurdity (DOHA). 2018 Idiotarod will celebrate “Not-fake News” and the freedom of expression in honor of recently fallen news sites like Gothamist and Gawker.
As usual, the route won’t be announced ahead of time, but you can expect a few things in advance of race day: 1) Points will be awarded for creativity, imagination and artistry and 2) points will also be rewarded for clever antics, which means bribery and good-natured sabotage is highly encouraged (just no tomfoolery like food throwing).
Prizes will be awarded to teams for Best in Show, Best Design and more. Following the race, there will also be an afterparty. To register for the event, join the IdiotarodNYC group on our Facebook page, RSVP here, and email IDIOT Labs at Idiotarodnyc@gmail.com to obtain an official participant request form.
Next, check out Video of the 2018 No Pants Subway Ride in NYC and 10 Crazy NYC Races Besides the Color Run.