Finland hosts ‘Wife-Carrying Championship’ held

Nakibul Islam Abid from Finland:

Laughter, cheers, and splashes filled the air in Sonkajärvi as the 28th annual Wife-Carrying World Championship took place from July 4 to 6 in this small Finnish town. Drawing contestants and curious spectators from across the globe, the quirky event once again showcased Finland’s playful spirit and love for the unusual.

Known locally as Eukonkanto, the competition involves male participants racing through a 253.5-meter obstacle course while carrying their female partners. The course is no walk in the park—it includes sandy stretches, wooden hurdles, and a water pool nearly a meter deep.

This year’s champions, Caleb and Justine Roesler from Wisconsin, USA, stole the show with a record-breaking time of 1 minute and 1.17 seconds. Their prize? As tradition dictates—the wife’s weight in beer.

Despite the comedic setup, the event is governed by a strict set of rules: The female partner must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 49 kg, The couple doesn’t have to be married, The only gear permitted is a helmet for the woman and a belt for the man, Couples can choose any carrying style, though the “Estonian style”, where the woman hangs upside down, remains the most popular.

The origins of the sport trace back to local folklore involving a 19th-century bandit named Herkko “Ronkainen the Robber”, who allegedly trained his men by having them carry heavy loads—sometimes including women—through forests.

Over the years, what started as a local oddity in 1992 has grown into a global phenomenon. Similar competitions now take place in Estonia, Germany, India, Australia, and the UK.

Finland’s own Taisto Miettinen and Katja Kovanen remain the most decorated duo in the sport’s history, with eight titles to their name, including consecutive wins between 2009 and 2013.