The Complete Idiotarod's Guide

Sometimes referred to the "Urban Iditarod" in cities such as San Francisco and Portland, the Idiotarod is anything but a normal race. In addition to the "racing," teams are encouraged to outdo one another's costumes, carts and names to win the coveted "Best in Show" prize.

Last year found Team COBRA (Carts of Brooklyn Racing Association) taking home that prize. The team members wore red jumpsuits with a black cobra screen printed on the back, and had 4-foot oversized cobras riding on top of their specially modified carts, complete with the ability to breathe fire.

Carts (and contestants) are also outfitted with various ways to sabotage other teams. Picture the tricks of the Batmobile or KITT on a shoestring budget: Slinging mayonnaise, creating fake checkpoints, chaining carts together, throwing marbles and blocking the walkway entrance of the Manhattan Bridge with another shopping cart are all par for the course.

It's a Cannonball Run anyone can participate in, only at 3 miles per hour and in the dead of winter.

The race is made more challenging by the two checkpoints, both of which happen to be bars. Teams are required to stay for 15 minutes at each one, where some fraternizing with the enemy may occur over a drink or two, and then it is immediately back to the race.