The Second Annual Chiditarod 2007
The most epic shopping cart race in Chicago
March 3rd, 2007
www.chiditarod.org

LEAVE NO TRACE.

Here ye! Here ye! Distribute far and wide. The Second Annual
Chiditarod approaches!

What is it?

The Chiditarod is Chicago’s very own Urban Iditarod. The Alaskan
Iditarod is an annual dogsled race that begins on March 3rd, 2007. 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 3rd, 2007. Registration starts at 11 am
and the race begins at 12:30 pm. The race will last as long as you do.

Where is it?

The roughly 4 mile race begins at the corner of Hubbard and Wolcott (Map
- tinyurl.com/38nh8d) at 12:30 pm SHARP. Racers will trek
through the Ukrainian Village / Wicker Park / Bucktown neighborhoods.
There will be a few checkpoints, most of which are bars.

Where should I watch the race?

Wait! Why do you want to watch?? PARTICIPATE INSTEAD!! But if you're
set on watching, since the location of the checkpoints remains a
surprise up until the day of the race, we can't really tell you
exactly where to watch. We will say this, however. The race will be
contained by:

* Armitage on the North
* Lake on the South
* Halsted on the East
* Oakley on the West

Why should I do this?

Because it's the most fun thing you'll do all winter. Last year's race
was met with overwhelmingly positive response from the community,
participants, checkpoints, press, and the recipients of over 900 pounds
of collected food. We had 22 teams and we are expecting even more this
year! 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,
SABOTAGE, and more. The race will also encourage street theater via
interactions with spectators, checkpoint patrons, and the wonderful,
cheerful people of Chicago along the start, end, checkpoints, and along
the route itself. Photographers and camera crews will record the event,
so be on your best and worst behavior, and bring your toys. Lastly, the
race will bring
together many different Chicago communities including cyclists, artists,
activists, students, children, burners, adults, business folk, and
everyone in-between.

Any other reasons?

In addition, and perhaps most importantly, 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 15 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 and BEST FOOD PRESENTATION,
too. Last year the Chiditarod raised over 900 pounds of food. This
year the goal is ONE TON of Food!!

What’s next?

Build your team of 5 racers! Get a cart! Chop it up! Trick it out!
Start saving that $25 entry fee! Send this announcement far and wide!

The latest rules, information, prize lists, and registration can be
found on the Chiditarod website:

www.chiditarod.org.

Wait - I want to volunteer!

Awesome. We can use all the help we can get. If you want to volunteer,
please use the volunteer sign up form located on the website.

Prepare for glory! See you on race day!

Mush,
Chiditarod