(Maine) – Crowds gathered at Sunday River ski resort for the North American Wife Carrying Championship, where over 30 pairs took on the muddy course with hopes of winning beer and cash. Each pair was cheered on by enthusiastic spectators as they splashed through water, vaulted over logs, and navigated thick mud while one partner carried the other in a race demanding both speed and stamina.
The wife carrying event traces back to a 19th century Finnish legend involving a man named “Ronkainen the Robber,” a bandit who allegedly raided villages and carried women off, sparking the tradition. In this modern rendition, competitors don’t have to be married or even a man and a woman. For many, like Wade Porterfield and his wife Sara, who traveled from Cuba, New York, it’s all about fun and camaraderie.
One participant, dressed as the superhero Mr. Incredible, carried his partner, who wore head to toe pink, entertaining the cheering crowd on both sides of the 254 metre course. Contestants mostly used the “backpack method,” where the partner clings upside down on the carrier’s back, allowing free use of the carrier’s arms for balance and speed.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunday River ski resort, Maine |
| Course Length | 254 metres |
| Carrying Technique | “Backpack method” (partner hangs upside down) |
| Prizes | Beer equivalent to partner’s weight, cash five times partner’s weight |
To calculate the beer prize, organizers use a large see saw scale, placing cases of beer on one end and the winning partner on the other, creating a visual spectacle for the crowd. For the cash prize, the winners receive five times the partner’s weight in dollars, adding a layer of excitement and strategy for competitors.
Despite the unique challenge, the annual event has built a loyal following. Many participants return each year to enjoy the lighthearted competition and the chance to win beer and cash prizes. Wade Porterfield summed up the experience for many: “We come each year for the fun.”
