Daring couples faced slippery slopes and muddy water during the North American Wife-Carrying Championship held on October 12 at the Sunday River ski resort located in Newry, Maine. This zany competition features men carrying their wives through various obstacles, including pits of mud and dodging challenging barriers along the way.
Footage from the event captured by onlooker Christine Cauthers shows couples, some donned in whimsical costumes, struggling on the 278-yard course. Despite the muddy terrain and the challenges, there’s laughter and camaraderie as husbands carry their wives on their backs, forging moments of fun and competition.
The event organizers promise thrills as they encourage couples to conquer the course not just for glory but for the unique prizes. Winners are awarded their wife's weight in beer and five times the wife's weight in cash. This year’s champions, Caleb Roesler and his wife Justine, famously known as Team “Speed Roesler” hailing from Waukesha, Wisconsin, completed the obstacle course like pros, clocking in at just 37.88 seconds.
“We don’t take it too seriously,” Caleb shared after their victory, emphasizing the couple's intent on enjoying the experience rather than solely focusing on winning. The reigning champions have become familiar faces at the event, securing their title once again with no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
Caleb and Justine walked away with seven cases of beer along with $510, the cash equivalent of Justine’s weight multiplied by five, marking another successful appearance at this light-hearted, yet competitive event. Runners-up John Lund and Karen May competed under the light-hearted title, “23 Years in the Making. This is getting Silly. Hope & Love Win,” finishing closely behind with a time of 40.26 seconds.
The North American Wife-Carrying Championship is not just an amusing spectacle but also a cultural event where couples bond over the challenges of the course. Participants are seen laughing and encouraging each other, reminding everyone present of the spirit of fun and camaraderie inherent to the day.
Each year, the competition attracts spectators who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and eccentricity on display. The playful nature of the event allows couples to strengthen their partnerships and capture their shared experiences of both love and competition. It’s also the perfect opportunity for couples to create memorable stories to share.
With events like these, it’s clear the tradition of wife-carrying continues to thrive, merging love, laughter, and competition all under one quirky roof.
