Set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Commitee, here are the Rules of Wife Carrying. My favourite is #5 – all participants must have fun!
The Rules of Wife Carrying
- The length of the official track is 253.5 meters, and the surface of the track is partially sand, partially grass and partially gravel.
- The track has two dry obstacles and a water obstacle, about one meter deep.
- The wife to be carried may be your own, the neighbour’s or you may have found her farther afield; she must, however, be over 17 years of age.
- The minimum weight of the wife to be carried is 49 kilos. If it is less than 49 kilos, the wife will be burdened with such a heavy rucksack that the total weight to be carried is 49 kilos.
- All the participants must have fun.
- If a contestant drops his wife, he has to relift her on to his back or in his arms and continue carrying.
- 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.
- Each contestant takes care of his/her safety and, if deemed necessary, insurance.
- 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.
