The Keweenaw Wife Carrying Contest

1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 @ The Quincy Green, Hancock

Sign-ups require pre-registration online using this sign up form or at the event space from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.

ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ARRIVE BY 12:30 TO CHECK IN AND GET READY FOR THE RACE.

Welcome to the Keweenaw Wife Carrying Contest — a test of sisu, strength, teamwork and questionable decision-making.

Inspired by the legendary Finnish tradition, this one-of-a-kind challenge sends teams racing through obstacles, splashing through water and carrying their partner to glory. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, cheering from the sidelines or just here to witness the chaos, this is pure Keweenaw summer energy: rugged, ridiculous and wildly fun.

Grab your teammate, hold on tight and get ready to run. This is no willy-nilly race. Visit Keweenaw hopes to get this event on an American and International circuit in the future!

The Keweenaw Wife Carrying Contest Rules and Conditions:

All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver AND wear a helmet. Contestants may bring their own helmet, or one will be provided. Competitors should expect to go through water and should dress appropriately.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE COURSE:

A 39 INCH DEPTH POOL CROSSING
A 70-FOOT SLIP ‘N’ SLIDE
HURDLES, HILLS AND STEPS
SILLY STRING
WATER BALOONS

COMPETITORS:

Are not legally required to be married and may be any gender.
Must be 18 years of age to enter (ID checked at check in)
May not wear any special equipment other than a belt, which is optional.
Are not subject to any weight limits.

THE COURSE:

The length of the course is 254 meters/278 yards. This complies with regional and international standards.
Course design includes more than two dry obstacles and one or more water obstacles per the rules of similar competitions.

THE COMPETITION:

Competitors run the course two teams at a time in heats. Each team is being timed and the fastest two teams overall qualify for a final heat. This may be timed or untimed, with the winner of the final heat being the winner of the event. Because the final heat is determined by time, qualifying teams do not necessarily have to win their initial heat. A prize will only be awarded to the winning team in the form of $200.
If a competitor drops their teammate, their team is penalized with five seconds added to their time. This particular course may feature one or two sections where a five-second penalty must be added to each team’s time due to the nature of a specific obstacle.
Teams may not advance on a course without their wife being carried, and will be disqualified if they do not carry their wife the entire length of the course.
There is no restriction on how a teammate is carried. Several types are recognized, including the Piggyback and Fireman’s Carry (over the shoulder). However, the most popular is the Estonian Carry, where one hangs upside-down with their legs around the carrier’s shoulders, holding onto the carrier’s waist.