Every year, the quaint town of Sonkajaervi in Finland hosts the International Wife Carrying Championships. The essence of the competition is exactly what it sounds like—during its run, husbands have to carry their wives along the track with various obstacles. With its origins rooted in the legend of Ronkainen the Robber, the competition draws in hundreds of contestants and spectators and has even expanded to various countries around the world, including the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and India.
Race Track
When the competitions first started, the event was held on a rough terrain, which featured numerous obstacles participants had to face, such as rocks and fences. The International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee has now set the rules for the track conditions and the competition itself. The track is 820 feet (250 m) long, 1,6 feet (0,5 m) wide and features several obstacles on land and a 3 feet (1 m) deep water pool. On their way to the finish line, the couples face several wood barriers, almost 3 feet (1 m) high and 10 feet (3 m) wide.
Rules of the Competition
According to the rules, the participants can carry their wives or any other female partner or acquaintance. The wife should be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 49 kilos. If the wife is lighter, she should carry an additional rucksack. There are different types of carrying: piggyback, over the shoulder, or Estonian-style, when a wife hangs upside-down with the legs around her husband's shoulders and holds his waist.
The only equipment is a helmet and a belt. Two couples start simultaneously and run as fast as they can. The winning couple is the one that completes the course in the shortest time. In addition to the main prize, the most entertaining couple, the strongest carrier, and the best costumes are awarded as well.
Entertainment Program
Before and after the event, attendees have a chance to enjoy a jam-packed recreational schedule. The festivities kick off on Friday with the market, which features numerous vendor booths with hand-made souvenirs, Finnish food and a variety of child-friendly activities. Later in the day, those who wish to test their endurance can challenge themselves to a Wife Carrying World Record attempt and a sprint race. On Saturday, besides the market, you'll have a chance to enjoy a Wife Carrying Parade and a Tonkkumi World Championships. During the Tonkkumi competition, participants aim to throw rubber bands into a milk churn.
On the evenings of both days, swing by the Sports Hall at the venue to enjoy live music performances and an electrifying dance party. These bashes span well into the night and feature beloved Finnish pop and rock artists like Hukkakaura, Solid Base, Lazy Bonez, Maustetytöt, Joku Paikallinen Bändi, and Aikakone.
Championship Schedule
The Wife-Carrying Championships will take place on Saturday from 1 pm until 6 pm, with the parade at 2:45 pm and the opening ceremony at 2:50 pm. The market operates from 2 to 7 pm on July 5th and from 10 am to pm on July 6th. The record attempt is scheduled for July 5th at 7 pm. The Tonkkumi World Championships is set to take place on July 6th from 10 am to 13 pm. Evening parties will begin at 8 pm on both days of the contest and end at 2 am in the morning.
Tickets to the Contest
Admission to witness the competition costs €15 for adults and €5 for children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old. You can also purchase a Saturday pass for €40, which gives you access to the competition and the Saturday evening party. A weekend pass, which grants you admission to both parties and the championship, is available for €50. If you'd like to only attend the party, consider purchasing a ticket for €30.
Location & Transportation
The competition takes place in Sonkajärvi Sports Field, located in the western part of town. Some activities also unfold in the local Sports Hall. You can take a bus to and from the venue. On Friday, the buses depart from the bus station at 4:30 pm and at 2 am from the municipal bus stop. On Saturday, the buses depart at 11 am and 6:30 pm from the bus station, and 2 am from the bus stop.
