- Title: RUSSIA-WIFE CARRYING RACE Dozens of Siberian men compete in wife-carrying race
- Date: 23rd June 2015
- Summary: MAN RUNNING HOLDING WIFE ON SHOULDERS AS JUDGE KEEPS TIME
- Embargoed: 8th July 2015 13:00
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- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVACIZ0FPN8WEZFRQOTQ162G6QIG
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Husbands and wives in matching red t-shirts teamed up to race together in Krasnoyarsk in an annual obstacle course with a twist: the wife-carrying competition.
Men carrying their wives in arms or on shoulders raced over 250-metre long obstacle track in Russia's city, some 3300 km from Moscow. Competitors had to step over painted car tyres, walk around pillows, cross a knee-deep paddling pool and even jump over hurdles, as well as perform other unusual exercises during the course of the event.
The annual wife carrying championship was held in the Siberian city for the third time and took place on the city's island of Tatyshev - a leisure area popular among Krasnoyarsk residents.
Despite the unusual nature of the race, some couples took it seriously and women donned helmets to protect themselves in case their husbands tumbled or dropped them. Event organizers also said the 32 couples taking part also had to pay 100 rubles (under $2) for medical insurance ahead of the start.
Some were clearly winded by the physical exertion after their attempts.
"My wife is heavy," one of the racers, Artem Yurchenko, said after finishing the distance.
Others took it all in their stride - until unforeseen obstacles.
"Last year we did better. This year we fell down a bit in a swimming pool," competitor Alexei Kiselyova said.
"The track is more difficult than it was last year. Moreover, it is raining and it is slippery," his wife Inna added.
The championship rules say that it is up to the couple to decide in which manner a woman would be carried by a man. The main condition is that she should never touch the ground during the race.
Nearly every couple this year employed the so-called "Estonian carry" when a woman hangs her head down with her legs hooked around the man's neck and her arms around his waist, which frees his hands and allows for better balance.
The Krasnoyarsk championship differs from similar events around the world as only officially married couples can take part in it.
The winning couple - Vasily and Maria Kolyagin - became champions for the third time and received a prize of 50,000 rubles (about 950) which can be spent on household appliances.
The first ever wife-carrying competitions were held in Finland in the 1990s. The idea was inspired by a 19th century legend about an outlaw who tested the courage and force of his gang of robbers by making them run though an obstacle track with women on their backs.
The sport has since gained popularity among enthusiasts around the world. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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