The Chiditarod

What is it?
The Chiditarod is Chicago's first Urban Iditarod. The Alaskan Iditarod
is an annual dogsled race that begins on March 4th. The Chiditarod is
an artistic spin on this yearly event; instead of dogs, we have costumed
humans. Instead of the Alaskan tundra, we will race through the cold
Chicago streets. And instead of sleds, teams compete for glory using
tricked out shopping carts.

When is it?
The race is on Saturday, March 4th. Registration starts at 9 am and the
race begins at 11 am. The race will last as long as you do.

Where is it?
The roughly 3 mile race begins at the Pontiac Café and treks through the
Wicker Park / Bucktown environs. There will be a few checkpoints, one
of which is certainly a bar.

Why should I do this?
Feeling the first onset of cabin fever? Ready to break the monotony of
Chicago winter? In addition to getting people out of the house on a
Saturday in March for a bit of merriment and exercise, it provides an
opportunity to stretch your creative muscles - creativity is an
essential ingredient for this event. In addition to cash prizes for
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place there is a substantial prize for "best in show".
There are also prizes for best cart A/V system, bling, wipeout, and
more. The race will also encourage street theater with local improv
comedians providing play-by-play at the start, end, checkpoints, and
along the route itself. Photographers and camera crews will record this
historic event, so be on your best and worst behavior. Lastly, the race
will bring together many different Chicago communities including
cyclists, artists, activists, students, adults, business folk, and
everyone in-between.

Any other reasons?
In addition, the Chiditarod aims to give back to the communities that
share its route by collecting food for local food banks. The Chiditarod
is the first urban Iditarod to do as such. Each team is required to end
the race with at least 2 pounds of non-perishable food in their cart.
This food will then be donated to local organizations. Oh, and yes -
there's a cash prize for most food collected, too.

Volunteer!
If you don't want to race, you may volunteer to be a judge and official.
We are still looking for a few good men and women to assist with
volunteering. You get a special prize, too.

What's next?
Start a team! Get a cart! Chop it up! Trick it out! The latest
information, rules, prize lists, and registration can be found on the
Chiditarod website: www.chiditarod.org. Please read the rules, and
direct all inquiries to chiditarod@...

Good luck mushers!

Big flyer for printing and distributing:
http://www.chiditarod.org/flyers/chiditarod-flyer.jpg

Small flyer for websites:
http://www.chiditarod.org/flyers/chiditarod-flyer-small.jpg