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Idiotarod Racers, Manhattan Bridge
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Welcome to the Idiotarod, where sabotage is encouraged, elaborate costumes are required, and physical stamina is an afterthought. This five-mile (eight-kilometer) race through New York City in winter is only for the (fool)hardiest. The American Festivals Project captured the madness in 2009.
Here, a competitor from Team Scuba takes a breather and obstructs racers on the Manhattan Bridge.Read more about the Idiotarod on the American Festivals Project blog.
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Team Romania
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Team Romania from Charlottesville, Virginia, took 12th place in the 2009 race.
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Vitamin Awesome
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
A milk carton runs alongside a lobster and several other costumed racers beneath an overpass. Every team that competes in the Idiotarod must have a themed costume and a decorated shopping cart.
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Race Saboteur
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
A member of Team Robin (as in Batman and Robin) pours flour on opponents during the start of the race.
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Bermuda Love Triangles
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
The Bermuda Love Triangles won Best Dance Team for their spontaneous and synchronized dance routines.
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Team Robin
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
The worse for wear, two members from Team Robin take a break at a checkpoint in Queens.
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Swedish Chefs
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A team of Swedish chefs runs the last mile of the race in Queens.
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Shopping Cart
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A racer hoists his team's shopping cart across a median divider near the Manhattan Bridge. The crush of competitors in the 2009 Idiotarod—more than 400—caused traffic backups.
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Team Remus
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Team Remus stands at the ready before the start of the race. The large team tied (with matching Team Romulus) for best in show in the Idiotarod. They had 475-pound (215-pound) chariot carts, intricate costumes, and epic theme music.
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Team Violent Gnomes
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Team Violent Gnomes won the award for Best Sabotage. Two members dressed as judges, taking bribes and giving bad directions.
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