UK Wife Carrying Race

UK Wife Carrying Race

The UK Wife Carrying Race was first run in 2008 and takes place from Race HQ at The Priory School, West Bank, Dorking, Surrey. The course is an out and back of 380 m that climbs and returns over a steady 15 m ascent of The Nower. The winning couple qualify to represent Britain at the World Wife Carrying Championships in Finland.

Rules require that the carried person is alive, human and at least 18 years old. There is a weigh in before the start and all carried persons must weigh at least 50 kg; anyone under this limit must wear additional weight such as a rucksack filled with tins or water. All carried participants must wear a helmet. All entrants start together and the first over the line is the winner. Obstacles and water hazards are included and spectators are invited to staff a Splash Zone on the return leg with water pistols and buckets.

Competitors are expected to wear fancy dress and prizes include awards for best fancy dress, heaviest finishers, last placed and oldest carrier. The race uses a local school as Race HQ, works with local suppliers and encourages car sharing or public transport to reduce its carbon footprint. Race entry fees are non refundable and profits are donated to Mid Surrey Community Fridges. Included items for entrants include a personalised race number, engraved wooden coasters and bottles of local beer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.