Wife carrying organizers say spots available for Saturday race at Lakeland Country Fair

There’s still time to register for the upcoming Wife Carrying Championships, which are set to take place this weekend at the Lakeland Country Fair.

Aurel Langevin, president of the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society,  says the one-of-a-kind event has generated a tremendous amount of interest — but could do with a few more entries. Several teams have registered for a chance for cash and beer prizes, but he’s hoping a few more couples step up in the days leading to Saturday’s fun event.

“I think many folks are waiting until the last minute to register. That’s normal for Lac La Biche,” Langevin told Lakeland This Week. “So far, two of the registered teams are local, while there’s one from Cold Lake and even a couple coming all the way from Regina to participate. Teams have until 1 p.m. on Saturday to register.”

Race time for the 200-plus yard obstacle course that includes water hazards, hay bales and other obstacles, is at 2 pm Saturday. The course and spectator stands are located just west of the Lakeland Agricom

To enter, teammates are not required to be legally married, but must be 20 years of age. The objective is simple: the man must carry the woman through the 278 yards. Why 278 yards? Those are the rules specified by the North American Wife Carrying Association, which must be adhered to for such an event to be officially sanctioned.

Winners of the Lac La Biche event will be eligible for the North American Wife Carrying Championships in October at the Sunday River Resort in Maine.

“The Wife Carrying Championships that are taking place for the Lakeland Country Fair is the only sanctioned event of its kind held anywhere in Canada this summer,” Langevin said. “There may be other carrying competitions, but this is an official wife carrying race.”

To help boost the entries, organizers have sent invites specifically to the area’s Protective Services members. Firefighters carry lots of things … and there’s such a thing as a “fireman carry,” said Langevin — so it makes sense they would e interested.

“We’ve issued a challenge to Lac La Biche Protective Service as well as fire departments across Alberta,” he explained. “The test will be to see if they can successfully carry their wives, girlfriends or friends on their backs the entire 278 yards of the race.”

Organizers are hoping to see a good crowd of support lining the track for the participants. Langevin said similar events held around the world draw a lot of attention.

“Traditionally, people line up along the racecourse to cheer on their family members and friends who are competing, and I expect the same to happen this time around,” he said.

Interested in competing in this inaugural event? Contact the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society or Aurel Langevin at 780 623 3047. Registration per team costs $25 per team, which includes a free meal. Teammates are not required to be legally married and must be a minimum of 20 years of age.