IDIOT Labs is proud to announce that Idiotarod NYC XXII will take place on Saturday February 1, 2025
As in years past, participants will be awarded for originality, imagination and artistry as well as meaningful hijinks, thought provoking antics and unabashed bribery.
RACE BASICS
- What the hell is Idiotarod NYC?
Idiotarod NYC is an unsanctioned "race" during which costumed teams art up shopping carts to represent elaborate themes, then run through the streets of some desolate neighborhood on what usually ends up being one of the coldest days of the year.
- Why would I want to do this?
If it wasn't fun, we wouldn't keep doing it.
- Who can race?
Anyone and everyone, however please note checkpoints are generally 21+. Please feel free to invite friends, lovers, ex lovers, future ex lovers, family, kind spirits, evil spirits and good looking strangers.
- I don't have a team, can i still race?
Post on this event page or on the group page to recruit or be recruited.
- How much is it?
There is an entry fee of $10 per racer (cash, paid at start). This gets you a wristband, which you need to get into the first checkpoint as well as the afterparty. Entry fees go toward "fabulous prizes" and garbage disposal.
- How do I register?
1. Email IDIOT Labs at *Idiotarodnyc@gmail.com* to obtain an official participant request form. Please exercise patience, as we know it may be both your only exercise and your only virtue.
2.RSVP to this event!
3. Join the IdiotarodNYC group on our super secure Facebook page. Here, you will see all current announcements with complete confidence that there are no Russian spies hacking into your sensitive communiques. You can also use this platform for some psychological warfare in advance of the big day.
- What's the route?
The launch location will be announced to all registrants the night before the race. Checkpoints and finish line locations will be announced to racers at the checkpoint preceding. You will be held at these checkpoints for important "scientific" "research" at the whims of Idiot Labs personnel. All trials, tests and other activities completely at the discretion of the Labs team must be completed in order to advance to the next stop. You may choose your own route between checkpoints as you see fit.
- Does each team need a shopping cart?
Yes. And it is customary to creatively decorate your cart to match a unique and clever theme. Idiotarod NYC is more about showmanship (and bribery) than speed!
- How does a team win and what do they get?
Prizes, cash prizes, are awarded for Best in Show, Best Design and other factors at the discretion of the judges. Creativity, imagination and enthusiasm are the key. Speed is not... And bribery will increase your odds!
- Can I just watch?
Kinda sorta? This is a participative event, so the burden is on you to find us. We DO NOT announce the race route in advance to non-racers. We will provide checkpoint locations via the official twitter feed, @idiotarodnyc as we make our way through the course on race day.
- But I'm with the press! Now can I watch?
Well, that's different, then! Idiot Labs is very press friendly. Just email idiotarodnyc@gmail.com with "PRESS" in the subject line and the outlet for whom you work and we will do our best to accommodate your needs while also maintaining the clandestine nature of this important research.
- Is there an afterparty?
Of course, tba
- Is there a rain date?
NO! Be it rain, snow or polar vortex, true idiots roll whatever the conditions.
- Can I help with the race or a checkpoint?
Maybe. Please email Idiotarodnyc@gmail.com with "LACKEY" in the subject line. State your interest along with the unique and Idiot Labs-worthy skills you may possess and we will get back to you with further information should we deem you worthy. Ownership of a lab coat is a plus.
RULES
1. Each team must consist of one shopping cart and decorated team mates.
2. Each team can attach things to the cart, make a riding platform, grease the wheels and chop up the cart-- but all pieces must be part of the final design.
3. Bribery Encouraged! Judges and Checkpoint Monitors enjoy all forms of bribery and favors and, yes, bribery will help garner prizes.
4.Good natured and ingenious sabotage is encouraged but nothing can be done of a malicious nature (like damaging the art of others carts) or that may hurt the existence of the race itself.
5. Do Not Litter! The hurling of food objects or other materials is strictly prohibited and will result in expulsion from the race. Don't make a mess, we all share this planet.
6. Show some Respect: Please respect the police, the public, traffic and each other. This event's continued existence is reliant on the cooperation of each participant… Inspired Idiocy = Yes, Douchey Stupidity = No.
