UK Wife Carrying Race
Dorking, United Kingdom • 14 Mar 2027
UK Wife Carrying Race
The UK Wife Carrying Race is an annual novelty event organised by Leith Hill Trail Runners and held at Race HQ, The Priory School, West Bank, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 3DG. The event traces its origins to Scandinavia and was first run in 2008. It was voted by Runner’s World as the Best Adventure Race in Britain in 2011.
The course is an out and back of 380 m that climbs a steady 15 m ascent of The Nower in Dorking, with the return leg featuring obstacles and water hazards. All entrants start together and the first over the line is the winner. Spectators are invited to staff a Splash Zone on the return leg with water pistols or buckets.
Rules require that the person being carried is human, alive and at least 18 years old. There is a weigh in before the race: carried participants must weigh at least 50 kg or wear a rucksack of added weight. All carried participants must wear a helmet. Both males and females may act as carriers. Competitors may use recognised holds such as bridal carry, piggy-back, shoulder-ride, fireman’s carry, the Estonian Hold or the Dorking Hold.
Entry fees are not refundable though places may be transferred. Included with entry are a personalised race number, engraved wooden coasters, local beer, novelty prizes and awards for the winners. Profits are donated to Mid Surrey Community Fridges and the event aims to reduce its carbon footprint by using local suppliers and encouraging shared travel. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.