Benjamin Leatherman
Audio By Carbonatix
Downtown Phoenix was invaded by a stampede of pure idiocy on Feb. 8 when packs of costumed pranksters went full-tilt boogie on a quest for chaotic fun.
It was all part of the annual Phoenix Idiotarod – the bizarre, boozy shopping cart race where speed takes a backseat to sheer ridiculousness. A total of 15 teams barreled through the streets, stopping at bars and parks for outrageous challenges that tested their endurance, creativity and willingness to embrace public buffoonery.
As is the norm for the Idiotarod, each team had a theme riffing on pop culture and timely events. One was inspired by “Katamari Damacy” and had a cart resembling a scene from the popular video game, though it didn’t snag any debris or grow larger. Another cart took its cues from “The Oregon Trail,” only without any dysentery and oxen-related casualties involved.
There were also carts like “Mel’s Diner,” which was inspired by ’80s sitcom “Alice,” and the “Super Mario Booze Cruise,” which riffed on the legendary Nintendo series “Super Mario Kart.” Other teams got topical, like one group parodying the rash of killer whale attacks on yachts. (Our personal favorite was the cart starring such Muppets as Animal, the Swedish Chef, Beaker and Miss Piggy, as well as the late Jim Henson.)
A Phoenix Idiotarod team inspired by the video game “Katamari Damacy.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Along the way, Idiotarod teams hit various checkpoints at mostly bars and public spaces to tackle absurd challenges. Chugging mystery shots? Check. A three-legged race involving tequila and questionable coordination? That, too.
By the time everyone reached the finish line at Central Avenue nightspot The Grand, some teams were victorious, others were barely standing and everyone was a winner in the game of sheer, unhinged fun. After all, the Phoenix Idiotarod isn’t just a race – it’s a booze-fueled, costume-clad fever dream on wheels. And we can’t wait for next year.
Here’s a look at the drunken fun and chaos of the 2025 Phoenix Idiotarod.
Teams gather for the start of the Phoenix Idiotarod at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
The members of “Manana” dressed as Muppets.
Benjamin Leatherman
The caveman-themed team, “The Modelosaurus and the Bro Magnons,” had a dino that dispensed beer.
Benjamin Leatherman
This Phoenix Idiotarod team was inspired by the classic educational video game “The Oregon Trail.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Organizers of the 2025 Phoenix Idiotarod.
Benjamin Leatherman
Getting a drink from the “Modelosaurus.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Members of the “Jolly Lolly Lickers” and their colorful cart.
Benjamin Leatherman
Each year, the Phoenix Idiotarod awards a giant trophy for “Best in Show” to the most over-the-top team.
Benjamin Leatherman
The alcohol tends to flow freely during the Phoenix Idiotarod.
Benjamin Leatherman
“Whale, Hello There!” was a parody of the rash of killer whale attacks on yachts in 2024.
Benjamin Leatherman
The Officially Officials of the Phoenix Idiotarod made sure teams followed the “rules” — even though there aren’t any rules to the race.
Benjamin Leatherman
One of the costumed volunteers of the 2025 Phoenix Idiotarod.
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix Idiotarod organizer (and “king of the idiots”) Tara Bingdazzo, second from right, gives each team instructions before the start of the race.
Benjamin Leatherman
Teams each had to spin a wheel at the beginning of the race to learn where they had to go.
Benjamin Leatherman
The members of “Nunsense & Booze.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix Idiotarod teams depart from Hance Park for an afternoon of drunken idiocy.
Benjamin Leatherman
The members of “Mel’s Diner” head for Grand Avenue.
Benjamin Leatherman
The Muppets take downtown Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
Team “Avant-Cart.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Members of “The Modelosaurus and the Bro Magnons” run along Grand Avenue.
Benjamin Leatherman
Racing through a lumberjack-themed challenge at University Park.
Benjamin Leatherman
The members of “Super Mario’s Booze Cruise.”
Benjamin Leatherman
Throwing plastic axes during a lumberjack-themed challenge at University Park.
Benjamin Leatherman
Throwing plastic axes during a lumberjack-themed challenge at University Park.
Benjamin Leatherman
The Idiotarod is often action-packed.
Benjamin Leatherman
“Whale, Hello There!” pushes their cart near The Van Buren.
Benjamin Leatherman
Instructions at a checkpoint at Grant Park south of downtown Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
Idiotarod challenges are often fun.
Benjamin Leatherman
Are they men or are they Muppets?
Benjamin Leatherman
This team was inspired by the chain restaurant Chi-Chi’s.
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix Idiotarod organizers at Civic Space Park.
Benjamin Leatherman
Idiotarod participants had to run a four-legged race at the final checkpoint.
Benjamin Leatherman
Nothing says Phoenix Idiotarod like a caveman riding a skateboard.
Benjamin Leatherman
Try running a four-legged race when you’re three sheets to the wind. It ain’t easy.
Benjamin Leatherman
