Where did you get the idea for this event?
We stole it from some people in New York who have been doing it since 2003. They stole it from a group of people in San Francisco who have been doing it since 1994. Some call us the Chicago Idiotarod; we just call ourselves idiots.

Can I make a side bet?
Absolutely.

I want to race but my friends are lame. Is there a team I can join?
Sure. Communicate with other racers via the mailing list, MySpace, Facebook or Tribe. Check the contact section for more information.

This sounds funny. Can I bring my video camera and document it?
We would much rather you race. We think you'll have more fun. But yeah, you can come cheer on the teams at the starting line or at any of the checkpoints. Feel free to bring your camera and document the race. Then send us a copy of the footage and we may incorporate it into a video...or the gallery.

Do you need any help organizing this?
Totally. If you want to be involved with the project but can't run for some reason -- like you just had ACL surgery and are still hobbling around on crutches -- we could use you at the checkpoints. We also need referees and entertainers for points along the route. Plus people to make banners, hand out oranges, and make trophies. Please let us know if you would like to be involved in any way.

Does the Musher have to ride, or are they required to "push"?
Pushing is recommended. Wear a helmet. 

Can a team sub in replacement dawgs mid-race along the route?
Not unless you want to be disqualified. 

Can my team wear matching outfits?
Knock yourself out. Creativity is highly encouraged, and there will be substantial prizes.

Why are you doing this?
Because it's important to fight cold and kill boredom. After all, it's March in Chicago. Plus it will be absurdly fun. We're also a food drive, so we are actually helping those less fortunate than ourselves. How awesome.

Where can I get more information?
Check back with http://www.chiditarod.org. There will also be an extremely detailed email a week before the event that is sent to all registered participants.

Where can I learn more about the real Iditarod?
Where it all started: Alaska's Iditarod.

Will there be an afterparty?
Who knows. It will be ridiculous. There will be sacks of cash for the winners. Ask around -- who knows what you'll discover...

How do I sign up?
You are not required to register in advance, but it would greatly help us plan for and better organize the race. This means you probably should. Please use our online registration form.