Convince your friends to race!  Really, it will give you fodder for mockery for months to come!

You get your own shopping cart. We think if you explain to cart owners that this is for charity and you promise to return the cart, they will let you borrow one. We do not encourage stealing and accept no responsibility for your cart. (Also, be aware that many supermarkets use devices that will lock the wheels when the cart goes past the entrance, so plan accordingly!)

Carts should be decorated and may be modified, but the original base frame must be intact and cart wheels must be the cart originals. No inflatable tires, motors, rockets, or Road Runner Acme gadgets. Stick with the spirit of the race, will you?

We hope teams will express creativity — through use of costumes, themes, decorative carts, fans, and so on. See some of the fools on our pictures page for ideas of how past racers have really stood out in a crowd.

First and foremost, you’re doing this because, well, it’s likely you’ve got a screw loose here and there, and/or you recognize the personal challenge of testing how low you can go on the dignity scale. On the other hand, you will be racing for a good cause. Yes, believe it or not, all this silliness is for charity. Plus, you’ll have a great story to tell your grandkids… (“During the great DC Idiotarod of aught-seven my team was in championship form...)

We keep a minimal amount of funds raised to offset expenses associated with the event and to come up with some prizes and such, but all profits go directly to the charities.

The entry fee is $50 per team. You really don’t get anything for your money, except free entrance to the Finish Line Party and we have negotiated some specials at the various bars. As mentioned above, entry fees will be used for prizes, charity, and base expenses.  So go ahead and register!

You might also consider trying to get matching funds from friends or a team sponsor to help send even more money to our charity. Let’s be really clear — raise more money and you get time credits!!

• $100–$200 in matching funds earns your team a 1 minute advance start

• $201–$400 in matching funds earns your team a 2 minute 30 second advance start

• $401+ earns your team a 3 minute and 30 second advance start

Of course, this does mean telling people that you are acting foolish, but don’t you think your friends will pay to see you make an ass of yourself?! Especially when it’s for a good cause!

Sure, maybe you value your dignity, or your bones. Maybe you don’t want your picture all over the Internet dressed as the Pope, but you can still participate in this event.  How? Volunteer! We need people for all sorts of asinine help, such as acting as a referee. If interested, send an email to [email protected].

And even if you don’t participate or cheer on a team, come to the Finish Line Party and bring all your friends: Your $10 contribution at the event will go directly to charity.

The DC Idiotarod is brought to you by SMASHED!  If you’d like to get on our mailing list for other fun events, just send an email to [email protected]. 

If anything on this page is unclear or you want further clarification, just email [email protected].