Photograph courtesy of the DC Idiotarod

Imagine the scenario: People dressed in ridiculous costumes. Shopping carts transformed into vehicles as far-fetched as papier-mache space rockets and cardboard Rolls-Royces. Lots of beer. Aforementioned costumed people racing around all over Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle in shopping carts. General mayhem and hilarity.

That’s pretty much the 2007 DC Idiotarod in a nutshell. The wacky annual event mimics the Iditarod, the famous Alaskan long-distance sled race—um, except without the snow . . . or the dogs . . . or the sleds. It may sound a tad insane, but having witnessed an Idiotarod or two in my time, I guarantee it’s one of the most entertaining events you can catch. Check out these Flickr photos of last year’s race.

Want to go a step further and actually participate? Slots are still available. Sign up your six-person team by noon on Thursday, March 1, pay the $50 entry fee, and show up at the Front Page (1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW) by 2 pm on Saturday, March 3. (You’ll have to acquire the shopping cart yourself.) The race begins at 2:30, and prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place (by fastest time), best costumes, and even “best sabotage.”

Funds raised go to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, which distributes supplemental groceries to needy families in Arlington.

The DC Idiotarod’s web site includes more rules and answers other questions. Happy shopping-carting!