No it's not April Fools, and we swear we're not making this up. Dressed as chickens, a gay couple has flown the coup and is hitchhiking around New Zealand to win thousands in cash. Yes, it's former Queer Nation and Sparkle on Sunday TV presenter Steven Oates and his boyfriend Stephen Ross! Subway stop: Steven Oates' new adventure is for the birds A high-concept promotion by The Edge radio network, the Incredible Pringles Chicken Race started down in Queenstown last Wednesday. Five teams of two started deciphering clues and taking part in different incredible challenges as they zig-zag up the country to Auckland. It's not the first time Steven has dressed up in a silly costume for attention and it probably won't be the last, but if he and his partner – dubbed the Chicken Lickens team – do well they'll earn themselves a share of $20,000 cash. The race continues until Friday 26 June, and the first chicken team to cross the finish line at the 'Final Chick Stop' will win $10,000. Two heads are better than one: Steven's plucky partner Stephen We tried to call Steven to find out how it was all going – but the couple's mobile phones were confiscated as part of the contest. Boo! Instead, each team is in communication with their fans through GPS updates on 2009's favourite website Twitter.com, which today reveals that they've successfully made it to Taupo, after getting scarily lost for a wee while in Taumarunui. The Chicken Lickens had been doing well up until this point, winning some of the daily challenges and enjoying all the ridiculousness. We would expect nothing less. Go chickies go! The Incredible Pringles Chicken Race is updated each day on The Edge FM, and on The Edge website. Follow Steven and Stephen's progress via the Chicken Lickens' Twitter page. Matt Akersten - 21st June 2009