Wife Carrying World Championships 2005 at Sonkajarvi, Finland

Wife Carrying World Championships 2005 is held on 1-3 July 2005 (Every year). A press release states that this year it is to be held in Sonkajarvi, Finland. Its basically a mens race with obstacles, including a water jump. The only catch is that the competitor has to carry his wife on his back, in order to win her weight in beer.

You can have a look at the official rules:
The official track is 253.5 meters - partially sand, partially grass and partially gravel with two dry obstacles and a water obstacle, about one meter deep.

The wife must be over 17 years of age with a minimum weight of 49 kilos (If it is less than 49 kilos, the wife carry a heavy rucksack to total 49 kilos)

If a contestant drops his wife, that couple will be fined 15 seconds per drop. The only equipment allowed is a belt worn by the carrier. The contestants run the race two at a time, so each heat is a contest in itself.

There is only one category in the World Championships and the winner is the couple who completes the course in the shortest time. Also the most entertaining couple, the best costume and the strongest carrier will be awarded a special prize

Margo Uusorg and Birgit Ulricht from Estonia hold the Wife Carrying world record of 55.5 seconds. The Finnish record of 56.7 seconds is held by Jouni and Tiina Jussila from Raisio.

In addition to the product prize the world champions will receive the equivalent of the wife’s weight in beer, a bag full of wife carrying products and a statue with wife carrying motif.
Participation fee is 50 euro.