North American Wife Carrying Championship®
- Date Sat 10th October 2026
- Time 10:30AM EDT
- Location Newry, Maine
- Price $41.28
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Get ready for a fun-filled day at the 26th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Newry, Oxford! As part of the vibrant Fall Fest weekend, this quirky and entertaining event invites couples from all over the globe to showcase their strength and teamwork in a thrilling 278-yard obstacle course. Participants will tackle log hurdles, navigate through a challenging sand trap, and brave the notorious Widow Maker water hazard.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time spectator, the excitement is palpable as the fastest teams race for championship glory and unique prizes, including the wife's weight in beer and five times her weight in cash! Don't worry if you're not legally married—any couple consisting of one man and one woman aged 21 or older can join the fun. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable day of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit!
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time spectator, the excitement is palpable as the fastest teams race for championship glory and unique prizes, including the wife's weight in beer and five times her weight in cash! Don't worry if you're not legally married—any couple consisting of one man and one woman aged 21 or older can join the fun. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable day of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit!
Organiser's Description
The 26th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship returns to Sunday River on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as part of our Fall Fest weekend. Its weird, wild, and wildly entertainingthis one-of-a-kind event draws competitors and spectators from across the globe to see who has what it takes to carry their partner to victory.
Teams race on foot through a 278-yard obstacle course that includes log hurdles, a sand trap, and the fan-favorite Widow Maker water hazard. The fastest two teams from the qualifying rounds will advance to a final heat to compete for the championship titleand some pretty quirky prizes, including the wifes weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
Not Married? No Problem.
Couples dont have to be legally married, but teams must consist of one man and one woman, and both must be at least 21 years old on race day, to qualify for the world championship.
Teams race on foot through a 278-yard obstacle course that includes log hurdles, a sand trap, and the fan-favorite Widow Maker water hazard. The fastest two teams from the qualifying rounds will advance to a final heat to compete for the championship titleand some pretty quirky prizes, including the wifes weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
Not Married? No Problem.
Couples dont have to be legally married, but teams must consist of one man and one woman, and both must be at least 21 years old on race day, to qualify for the world championship.
Races
-
North American Wife Carrying Championship
Incl. $3.28 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 10th October 2026 (10:30AM EDT)
$41.28
OPENS 18 JUN 26Not Married? No Problem. Couples dont have to be legally married, but teams must consist of one man and one woman, and both must be at least 21 years old on race day, to qualify for the world championship. How You Carry Is Up to You. Traditional piggyback or classic Estonian-style (legs over the shoulders, arms around the waist)its your call, as long as your partner stays on board. Need tips? Watch our how-to video. Fall Fest Fun: Wife Carrying is just one part of Sunday Rivers Fall Festa weekend packed with live music, food, scenic chairlift rides, a beer garden, and more. Make it a day trip or a full weekend getaway in the mountains of Maine.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
15 South Ridge Road, Newry, 04261, ME, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
North American Wife Carrying Championship®
