Eukonkannon MM-kisat (Wife-Carrying World Championship) is Finland’s quirkiest and most entertaining sporting event, held every July in the town of Sonkajärvi. Male competitors race through a challenging 253.5-meter obstacle course while carrying a female teammate—traditionally a “wife,” though not necessarily their own—using techniques ranging from the classic piggyback to the famous “Estonian carry” (upside-down). The winning couple earns the wife’s weight in beer, adding to the festival’s playful spirit. Combining athleticism, humor, and local tradition, the Wife-Carrying World Championship has become an internationally famous event that draws competitors and spectators from around the globe.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 3–4 July 2026 (Fri–Sat). Official announcement.
• Status: Exact 2026 timetable not yet published—check the programme page nearer the date. Programme.
• Livestream & tickets: sold via the event’s online store when released. Online store.
LOCATION
• Where: Wife Carrying Arena, Sonkajärvi (event-managed site; see the official area map). Area Map.
• Map (sports field hub): Sonkajärvi Sports Field — Open in Google Maps.
• Getting there: dedicated event buses are scheduled each year (Iisalmi ⇄ Sonkajärvi); 2026 times publish on the official page. Bus transportation.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Ticketed spectator event: spectator access requires a ticket; wristbands issued at gates/info. Event info.
• Buy tickets: select the correct day/pass when sales open. Buy tickets.
CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
• Official caravan areas: travel parks by the Sports Hall and by Kangaslampi lake; operational details are posted on the parking page each season. Parking & caravan info.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Rules snapshot: course c. 253.5 m with dry & water obstacles; carried partner must be ≥49 kg (or weighted to that). Official rules.
• Accessibility: venue marked accessible; personal assistants enter free with eligible documentation. Event info.
• On‑site logistics: check Area Map, Parking, and Programme pages for gate locations, shuttle timings, and the daily schedule. Area Map • Parking • Programme.
Chasing a front‑row spot by the water obstacle? We’ll lock in tickets, time the Iisalmi shuttles, and book a base close to the arena — Hire Tripologiste.