Who says racing is limited to cars and bikes? Across the U.S., people have taken the thrill of competition to new and hilarious levels by racing some of the most unexpected vehicles imaginable. From outhouses on skis to high-speed lawnmowers and even beds on wheels, these quirky events attract serious crowds and plenty of laughs. Let’s take a look at some of the strangest and most entertaining races you can find.
Outhouse Races: Anchorage, Alaska
When winter sets in, Alaskans know how to keep things interesting. Every February, Anchorage hosts the Outhouse Races, where teams build custom outhouses on skis and race them down a snowy track. Each outhouse must have a seat, a toilet paper holder, and a team member inside.
Racers push their outhouses while navigating the icy course, with some teams opting for creative themes and hilarious costumes. It’s part athletic event, part engineering challenge, and completely ridiculous in the best possible way.
Lawnmower Races: North Carolina
If you think mowing the lawn is boring, you’ve never been to a lawnmower race in North Carolina. The United States Lawn Mower Racing Association hosts races where competitors modify their mowers for speed. These machines can reach speeds of up to 50 mph.
The races are fast, competitive, and surprisingly intense. There are even different racing classes depending on the level of modifications, from stock mowers to full-on racing machines.
The Bed Race: Indianapolis, Indiana
Just before summer kicks off, Indianapolis hosts one of the most unique fundraisers in the country: the Indy 500 Festival Bed Race. Teams of 4 to 5 people build and decorate a bed on wheels, then push it down a course on 9th Street between Conner and Logan.
The event raises money for youth summer camp scholarships through the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks & Recreation. Creativity is highly encouraged: teams often dress in coordinated costumes and decorate their beds with themed designs. Some teams bring great speed and strategy to the race, while others lean into the silliness of racing a bed downtown.
Other Wild Races Across the U.S.
- Pumpkin Regatta: In Damariscotta, Maine, racers hollow out giant pumpkins and paddle them across the water.
- Couch Races: In Leadville, Colorado, competitors race down snowy streets on couches attached to skis.
- Bathtub Races: In Nanaimo, British Columbia, people race motorized bathtubs across the harbor.
- Turkey Trotters: In Yellville, Arkansas, the annual Turkey Trot includes races where participants carry live turkeys.
Why We Love These Races
What makes these quirky events so special is the mix of creativity, competition, and community spirit. Whether it’s a finely tuned lawnmower or a bed on wheels, the fun comes from the teamwork and ingenuity behind each race. Plus, it’s a great reminder that racing doesn’t have to be serious: it can be a little ridiculous and a whole lot of fun.