pictures from NYC's 2009 Idiotarod race

February 2, 2009

The Idiotarod is a shopping cart race in which five “idiots” tie themselves to a (sometimes modified) grocery store shopping cart and run through the streets of a major metropolitan area. The race usually features people in costumes and themed floats. The race, though fun, is competitive, and teams are known to sabotage each other in an effort to win. Forms of sabotage include tripping competitors, throwing marbles or large obstacles in their paths, and the spreading of misinformation, such as false route information.

The Idiotarod is named after the Iditarod, a 1,000 mile dog-sledding race in Alaska. [Wikipedia]

NYC’s 6th Idiotarod race took place on Saturday (1/31). Starting around 11:45AM, the race went from 61st & East River Park in Manhattan, over the 59th St Bridge into Astoria, down through Long Island City, over the Pulaski into Greenpoint to Coco66 (the bar where Beirut recently played a secret show), and then finally ended in a playground. There were approximately 20 themed, powerful, and crazy teams (of idiots) running the long (5 miles?) race. They included Danger Zone (with Romulus and Remus gladiator carts and theme music), Wayne Fest (which was 1 Wayne and 4 Garths), Double Dare, Blue Man Group, and Gnomes (note: those may or may not be the official team names). Geese were also a popular theme. An Australian “Sparks” girl was running in stilettos and was very vocal about saving Sparks.

More of Ryan’s pictures below…