North American Wife Carrying Championship®
North American Wife Carrying Championship® is an obstacle course race on October 10, 2026 in Newry, ME, with an entry fee of $40.
- Date
- October 10, 2026 (79 days to go)
- Location
- 15 South Ridge Road, Newry, ME
- Price
- $40
- Sport
- Obstacle Course
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
57°
Typical Low
36°
Chance of Rain
46%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Middle Dam, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Newry, ME
City Elevation
1,845 ft
Nearest Airport
AUG
Augusta State Airport · 65 mi
Major Hub
PWM
Portland International Jetport · 80 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at North American Wife Carrying Championship®, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
79
Days to train
- Race
- North American Wife Carrying Championship®
- Date
- October 10, 2026
- Location
- 15 South Ridge Road, Newry, ME
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Obstacle course races combine running with walls, rope climbs, carries, and mud — testing strength, grip, endurance, and mental toughness all at once.
No two races feel the same, and it is a truly unique endurance sport.
Obstacle Course Racing
Obstacle course races (OCR) combine running over different terrain with a series of physical obstacles — walls, rope climbs, monkey bars, carries, and crawls. The barrier to entry is lower than it looks.
Coming Up
More Obstacle Course races near Newry, ME
Tough Mountain Challenge
From $130 · 15 South Ridge Road
Less than a mile away
Mini Mountain Challenge
From $24 · 15 South Ridge Rd.
Less than a mile away
Gibbet Hill Cattle Run 2026
From $10 · 61 Lowell Road
147 miles away
CANCELLED - Ruck for the Fallen 2026
From $35 · 15 Farm View Dr
66 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Newry than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to NewryFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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North American Wife Carrying Championship®
Oct 10, 2026