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Spectators

Starting Line

The Cobra Lounge
235 N Ashland Ave
Mushers race at 12:30pm SHARP

A great place to watch the race is near the starting line. On Saturday March 1, 2025, the race will begin at the corner of Ashland and Fulton Market (map), in front of the Cobra Lounge, at 12:30 pm. Feel free to come on by to congratulate all the participants on their lack of taste as they cross the starting line. Cheer on your favorite dawgs (please leave your real pets at home) and mushers as they make their way towards the first checkpoint. Be there by 12 noon or you’ll miss the starting horn. And in case you were wondering – YES, the starting line is EPIC.

Finish Line

The Finish Line will be the same as Starting Line. If you would like to take part in post-race festivities just head straight to the award ceremony at Sleeping Village. Award Ceremony starts at 7pm.

Checkpoints

We announce the checkpoints early so your friends can gather at their favorite checkpoint to cheer you on. Teams will not know which bars they are going to or their route order till the morning of the race. Teams go to all 5 bars and the finish line. Don’t forget to ask your friends to bring food for the food drive!

  • Phyllis’ Musical Inn (1800 W. Division)
  • Roots Pizza (1924 W. Chicago)
  • Irish Nobleman (1367 W. Erie)
  • Five Star Bar (1424 W. Chicago)
  • Output Bar (1758 W. Grand)

Here is a PDF version.

Spectator Guidelines

  1. Respect the neighborhoods CHIditarod visits – take your trash home with you, don’t trample people’s flowerbeds, etc.
  2. Follow posted signs and all laws.
  3. Stay out of the streets. Period. We mean it. You will be herded. Love you!
  4. Feel free to record the amazingness. Bring nice high-definition photo and video cameras. Upload and link to our Facebook Page, Flickr, etc.  Tag “@chiditarod” and use #chiditarod on Instagram and Twitter.
  5. Fundraise for charity!
  6. You are not allowed to participate in sabotage.

Food Drive Participation

Remember that the CHIditarod is a massive Food Drive! Please support the cause by bringing food to the checkpoints (Phyllis’s is the only checkpoint with a food collection bin) and for giving to racers at the starting line. Referencing GCFD’s most needed items, the following are strongly preferred and provide greater nutritional value to the hungry: Peanut Butter, Canned Beans, Canned Chili, Canned Soup, Canned Stew, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, & Canned Fish.

DISCLAIMER – This information may change before race day.