North American Wife Carrying Championship

North American Wife Carrying Championship

The North American Wife Carrying Championship takes place in Newry, Maine, as part of the annual Fall Fest. Competitors navigate a 278-yard obstacle course on foot while carrying a partner. The course features various physical challenges, including log hurdles, a sand trap, and a water hazard known as the Widow Maker.

Participating teams consist of one man and one woman. While the event is titled a wife-carrying championship, teammates do not need to be legally married. However, both participants must be at least 21 years old on the day of the race to be eligible for world championship qualification. Diverse carrying techniques are permitted, such as the traditional piggyback style or the Estonian-style, where the passenger's legs are over the carrier's shoulders and arms are around the waist.

The competition begins with qualifying rounds to determine the fastest teams. The top two teams then face each other in a final heat to decide the champion. Prizes for the winners are based on the weight of the person being carried, consisting of their weight in beer and five times their weight in cash.

This event is held during a festival weekend that includes additional activities at the venue. Attendees can find live music, food, a beer garden, and scenic chairlift rides within the mountains of Maine. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.