Wife Carrying World Championships

In the Wife Carrying World Championships held annually in the town of Sonkajärvi, men carry their wives on their backs over an 820 foot (250m) course comprising obstacles and even a water jump. The winner is awarded his spouse's weight in beer. Several types of carry may be practised, namely piggyback, fireman's carry or Estonian-style, where the wife hangs upside-down with her legs round her husband's shoulders, holding onto him waist. Participants must pay a EUR50 registration fee.