North American Wife Carrying Championship®
- Date
- October 10, 2026
- Location
- 15 South Ridge Road, Newry, ME
- Distance
- North American Wife Carrying Championship®
From the Organizer
The 26th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship® returns to Sunday River on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as part of our Fall Fest weekend. It’s weird, wild, and wildly entertaining—this 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 title—and some pretty quirky prizes, including the wife’s weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
Not Married? No Problem.
Couples don’t 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.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in ME
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the North American Wife Carrying Championship®?
- North American Wife Carrying Championship® is a running event held in Newry, ME. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the North American Wife Carrying Championship®?
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Newry, ME at 15 South Ridge Road, Newry, ME. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the North American Wife Carrying Championship®?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
North American Wife Carrying Championship®
Oct 10, 2026