Wife-carrying championships in Kerry

Nevyn

http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0726/sneem.html

Saturday, 26 July 2008 08:41

Ireland's Wife Carrying Championships are on in Co Kerry today.

The event, which was inspired by a similar competition in Finland, is being staged as part of the Sneem Family Festival.

The contest involves women being carried over a 250m course including dry and water obstacles.
Advertisement

Organisers say couples do not have to married to take part, but they must be over 18.

Contestants who weigh less than 49kg will be given a loaded rucksack to make up the minimum weight.

Dropping a wife carries a 15-second penalty.

The winning couple with the fastest time will receive an expenses paid trip to represent Ireland at the world championships in Finland next July.

Yes long ago women became wifes of those who abducted them this tradition was not only happened here but in many countries. Often there would be a 'token' abduction and this is still seen to be the case in the traditional wedding when the groom carries off the bride at the end of the evening and is ment to carry the new bride her across the threshold of their home.

So ladies if your bf/spouse/oh wanted you to take part in such a race would you ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_carrying

History

The sport originated as a joke in Finland, supposedly reminiscent of a past in which men courted women by running to their village, picking them up, and carrying them off. The Wife Carrying Contest has very deep roots in Sonkajärvi's local history, despite its humorous aspect. In the late 1800s a brigand called Rosvo-Ronkainen was staying in the area. He allegedly only accepted troops who proved their worth on a challenging track. The sport is now practised around the world and has a category in the Guinness Book of Records.

[edit] Rules
Estonian-style wife carrying
Estonian-style wife carrying

The original track in the rough terrain with fences, rocks and brooks has been altered to suit modern conditions. These following rules set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee apply:

* 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 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 have fun
* If a contestant drops his wife that couple will be fined 15 seconds per drop
* 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 organisers 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

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Thaedydal wrote: »

Dropping a wife carries a 15-second penalty.

A 15-second penalty would be the least fo his worries! I hear Mary Harney's hubby has retired, so it's wide open.

Zaph

Screw that. What about the equality that women are always going on about? Husband carrying contest ftw.

Nevyn

Ah now here as can be clearly seen the pictures the women are using the strongest set of muscles in their body, the thigh muscles to cling on so the are doing thier part and let face it not everyone dreams of marrying Grace Jones like you do Zaph....

Zaph

In fairness, I think you'd probably need one of those Russian shot-putters to be able to carry me.