The Wife Carrying World Championship is an annual event held in Sonkajarvi, Finland. The competition is a grueling test of strength and endurance.
As competitors must carry their wives (or husbands) through an obstacle course. The winner is the team that completes the course in the shortest time.
The Wife Carrying World Championship is not for the faint of heart. Competitors must be in excellent physical condition, as they will be carrying their spouses through a challenging obstacle course. The competition is also a test of teamwork, as teams must work together to navigate the course.
The event has its roots in Finnish folklore. Where it was said that a man could claim a woman as his wife if he could carry her across a finish line.
In recent years, the Wife Carrying World Championship has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this unique event.
History of Wife Carrying World Championship
The Wife Carrying World Championship is an annual event that has been held in Finland since 1992. It is based on the 19th-century tradition of wife carrying. Where men would compete to see who could carry their wives the farthest distance.
The current world record for the Wife Carrying World Championship is held by Taisto Miettinen. Who carried his wife over the finish line in just under 58 seconds.
The event has become increasingly popular over the years, with competitors coming from all over the world to take part.
So why did this quirky event start in Finland? According to legend, a man named Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen used to steal food and women from villages in order to survive in the wild.
He was known as “Ronkainen the Robber”, and he is said to be the inspiration for the Wife Carrying World Championship.
Whether or not this legend is true, one thing is certain – the Wife Carrying World Championship is a unique event that celebrates a strange but intriguing piece of Finnish history.
What’s your best memory of the Wife Carrying Championship?
It’s a party, not a race! There are lots of things going on to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find karaoke competitions while competitors parade with flags and fanfare and costumed officials scramble around.
The entire wife carrying event is met with an entertaining commentary which ensures spectators don’t miss a thing. Who knew there would be something called the “Team Wife Carrying Relays,” where three men carry one wife like a baton as they compete?
While some competitors are looking nervous and wondering what they’ve gotten themselves into.
There are plenty of Olympic athletes who have accepted the challenge, meaning you’ll see lots of good competition. This ensures an interesting mix of skill levels – it’s the perfect way to spice up an event!
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Here are the best views of this year’s Wife Carrying Championship. You don’t want to miss this!
To see the event up close, attendees have to pay 50 Euros, which is only a small fee. If they want to participate, however, it costs an additional 5 Euros per lap given.
Competitors receive a t-shirt and “all access” wristband in their entry bag, which assists them in walking around the course. Spectators enter through a different area and are required to pay a fee of 10 Euros regardless of how long they stay or if they’re just watching.
What to Wear
Most of our contenders wear t-shirts and shorts to race. However, costumes are encouraged. All wives must wear a helmet. You can bring your own or there will be some available at the race site. It’s true that it’s hot in the middle of summer in Finland; however, sometimes days can still be chilly.
When traveling overseas
- The courage to live.
- GoPro is a great way to ensure that you’ll never forget your race.
- Your phone can be protected no matter what happens with a waterproof case!
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Towels and a warm sweater are always good to have for activities that might require these things.
- Your best “husband and wife” couples fancy dress costume
Buy tickets
You can purchase spectator tickets in person on the day of the event. Competitors can sign up online before the show and will also have to come buy their 50 Euro competitor fee.
