Local Newswire Chiditarod registration open now; race to be held March 3

Normally, any attempts to race a shopping cart through the city streets would be halted at the edge of the Dominick’s parking lot with electronic wheel locks. On Saturday, Mar. 3, the locks will be abandoned for the 7th-annual Chiditarod, a shopping cart race to fight hunger in the city.

Online team registration is open now through Feb. 18. Be sure to read through the full list of rules, including age restrictions and team requirements, before registration. If you’re not inclined toward racing, you can participate in the design contest through Jan. 23 or sign up to volunteer at the event.

Racers can win prizes in more than 25 categories, with epic trophies, cash, and gift certificates as incentive. Creativity is especially encouraged and very competitive. Though teams of husky dogs won’t be racing through the streets, the likelihood of seeing a team of Muppets or the cast of Dr. Strangelove is very high.

Last year, the 770 Chiditarod participants raised over 19,000 pounds of food and over $18,000 for Chicagoans in need. This year, food donations will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Funds raised will benefit Growing Home, a local organization focusing on community development through organic agriculture.