FAQ page

Who can race?

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age. Our race is not a race to bars (as many cities do) so we are able to invite our younger (and faster) sled dogs.  Feel free to forward this invitation to anyone you know! You also don't need to be a runner. You can walk the route as long as you finish in time.

Isn't it going to be cold?

Only until you start "mushing"! The race goes off rain or shine, blizzard or breeze. Bundle up. (you have a cart - stash some gear in it!)

What's the route?

That's up to you. The race begins near 5400 South Redwood Road. We will announce the checkpoints and a finish line on race day. You choose the route. Bring a GPS, phonebook, your "phone-a-friend" option in case you get lost...and be aware of those who are out to sabotage you with misleading directions.

Can you tell me how long it will be?

We sure can!

Well, how long will it be?

Oh! It will be approximately 3-5 miles. Since you choose your own routes, it could be a lot longer though!

Are there rules?

Yes! They have their own post. Not so bad, huh?

Does my team need its own shopping cart?

Yes.

Where do we get a cart?

Drive around until you see a lonely one that has been separated from it's family.

Are you suggesting we steal it?

No! Find one that isn't at the supermarket and bring it back to them. On the way, enter this race with it. If that doesn't work for you, contact a local store and see if they will let you borrow one!

Can we modify our shopping cart?

Yes, although there are rules -- kind of like stock car racing. Your shopping cart must roll on the original hard rubber caster wheels (no air filled tires). As a general rule, you can attach things to your cart, make a riding platform, and grease up your wheels. Decorate it to match your team. There will be prizes for this! And because teams have asked in the past, no, your shopping cart can not be motorized.

What do I do with my cart after the race?

Take it back to the store where it belongs. The cart misses its home. Oh, and the cart's friends and loved ones too.

What is this going to cost me?

Dignity. Plus your entry fee.

Can I make a side bet?

Absolutely.

I want to race but my friends are lame. Is there a team I can join?

Maybe. Send us an email and we'll see if someone needs another strong sled dog, and you can ask around for help.

Is there a way that I can participate without racing?

Absolutely! We're going to need race marshals and other people to help organize this a bit. Email us or sign up on our volunteer registration page. It will have all sorts of cool jobs you can sign up for!

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. And, fine, bring your camera.

Can my team wear matching outfits?

We think you should! There will be a prize for Best Team Costumes. But we do have limits: NO spandex, NO homeless themes (there really is nothing funny about being homeless), NO weapons, NO lewd and suggestive costumes. This is a community and family race and it should be fun. Besides, do you really want your picture in the paper in spandex??

Why are you doing this?

Because it's important to fight cold and kill boredom. What else are you doing that weekend? Also, all our proceeds will benefit our community. What's better than that?

But seriously?

Yeah. We want to live in a city where people do ridiculous things to amuse others -- and themselves. And because we believe the most important thing you can do with public space is -- use it!

Where did you get the idea for this event?

We stole it from a group of people who recently did it in Seattle. We think they stole it from a group of people in NYC. They stole it from a group of people in San Francisco who have been doing it for 10+ years. There are also people doing the same thing in other cities, too.

Who won last year?

We have a blog post dedicated to this HERE where you can read all about how it finished!

Where can I get more information?

Review all the posts on this site or go to Facebook and "like" Healthy Taylorsville or Taylorsville Urban Iditarod. They will keep the updates rolling!

Where can I learn more about the real Iditarod?

This is a good website: www.iditarod.com

Will there be an after-party?

Yes! Last year we had pizza from Little Caesars and partied at Bout Time. We'll do something similar this year so you can meet the other teams and wait for the race totals.

How do I sign up for the race?

Click on the "Team Registration" page at the top of this post. It's a quick process and your friends will love you for signing them up!