On October 6th, Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine will host the 13th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship (NAWCC). 50 couples are entered in this year’s free event including, Taisto Miettinen and Kristiina Haapanen, the four-time Wife Carrying World champions. The winners of the NAWCC take home the wife’s weight in beer plus five times her weight in cash.
The race is comprised of an obstacle course set out over 278 yards. Although most teams employ the “Estonian” method of carrying, teams are welcome to compete as they see fit. Usually the man carries his wife through the course where various barriers like hurdles, mud bogs, and a water trap make up the obstacles. Apparently the water trap is infamous, and is known as the “Widow Maker” to competitors and attendees.
Photo Credit: toughology.com
The story behind the contest and the “Estonian” carry technique is based in Finnish lore. The “Estonian” method is when the wife grabs the husband around his waist so she can then tighten her legs around his neck. This allows her husband’s hands to be free for easier navigating of the course. Sounds interesting (the completion AND the method of handling).
We’re awfully curious as to how this Finnish legend got started, how GNAR could get involved, and what might happen if a team did the “Estonian” method fakie? Some interesting possibilities to say the least.
