Rules
The original course is a rough, rocky terrain with fences, and brooks, but has been altered to suit modern conditions. There is now sand instead of full rocks, fences are still on the course, and some kind of area filled with water,(a pool). These are the following rules set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee:
- The length of the official track is 253.5 meters
- The track has two dry obstacles and a water obstacle, about one meter deep
- The wife to be carried may be your own, the neighbor's, or you may have found her further afield; she must, however, be over 17 years of age
- The minimum weight of the wife to be carried is 49 kilograms. If she is less than 49 kg, the wife will be burdened with a rucksack containing additional weight such that the total load to be carried is no less than 49 kg.
- All participants must enjoy themselves
- The only equipment allowed is a belt worn by the carrier, the carried must wear a helmet.
- 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
- The contestants have to pay attention to the instructions given by the organizers of the competition
- 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
- Participation fee is 50 euro
Read more about this topic: Wife Carrying
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)