Bend Urban Iditarod benefits NeighborImpact

NeighborImpact took advantage of the beautiful weather Sunday for its Bend Urban Iditarod.

Dressed in funky costumes and toting decorated grocery carts, about 10 teams helped raise money, and food for NeighborImpact’s food bank.

Each participant paid a $10 entry fee, and each team donated 30 pounds of non-perishable food items.

Unlike the real Iditarod, racers did not know the course before hand, and instead of resting at checkpoints, they competed in mini-competitions.

“We actually have no idea what the race is going to be like,” said competitor and NeighborImpact Community Relations Administrator Chris Quaka. “Rumor has it, it is going to be 4 1/2 miles, and I’m ready for about one, so we’ll have to see how it goes.”

NeighborImpact is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.