North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME

Date
October 10, 2026
Location
Newry, ME
Venue
15 South Ridge Road
Start Time
11:00 AM
Entry Fee
$40.00
Events
North American Wife Carrying Championship®
Includes
Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website

The North American Wife Carrying Championship is an obstacle course event held over 278 yards in Newry, Maine. Scheduled for October 10, 2026, at 15 South Ridge Road, this unique competition combines athleticism with entertainment as teams navigate the course together. The race starts at 11:00 AM, giving participants and spectators a mid-morning timeframe for the event. Entry is $40 per participant, making it an accessible option for those looking for a different kind of endurance challenge. This one-of-a-kind competition offers a break from traditional running and racing formats while still demanding physical fitness and coordination from competitors.

From the Race 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.

Hotels Near This Race

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North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 10.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Newry, ME. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME?

North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME takes place on October 10, 2026. The race is held in Newry, Maine.

Where is North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME held?

North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME is held at 15 South Ridge Road in Newry, Maine.

Where can I find hotels near North American Wife Carrying Championship® 2026 — Newry, ME?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Newry. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.