need to be yours

Rules state there is a minimum weight and age for the wife - but she doesn't

The race, over a 253.5 metre course, attracts competitors from around the world to Sonkajarvi, Finland


Most men will, at some point or another, complain about getting their wives off their backs - but not these fellows.

Indeed, these husbands were very specifically trying to get their other-halves onto their backs as they sprinted around the course of the 20th annual Wife Carrying World Championships.

The event, held in Sonkajarvi, Finland, attracts couples from around the world willing to test out their strength over the 253.5 metre (832 feet) course.

Hard work: Ville Parviainen's face shows just how much brute strength and determination is needed to carry wife Sari Viljanen

Giving it their all: The competitors were taking part in the 20th event, held every year in Sonkajaervi, Finland

Dressed for the occasion: Those less confident of their speed can impress with their costumes, like this couple from Finland

International: Competitor Jared Hasselhoff, of American band the Bloodhound Gang, carries German comedian Buelent Ceylan

Obstacles: Vytautas and Neringa Kirkliauskas, of Lithuania, tackle a pool of water as they battle to win the title

Soggy: The damp competitors emerge from the water in front of the crowd who have braved the rain to watch the event

And training in the run-up to the event can be incorporated into your everyday life, according to the official website.

'It is possible to train for the wife carrying competition everywhere in the middle of the daily routines: in the bath, in the super market, in the playground or in the body building centre,' the website advises.

'The wife carrying is good for your relationship.'

But those who think it is going to be an easy run across a bit of flat ground will be sorely disappointed.

It includes two 'dry' obstacles to contend with - and one wet one to wade through.

Rules stipulate the woman must weigh more than 49 kilos, or 7.7 stone, and be over 17 - but she doesn't necessarily need to be your wife. According to race regulations, your neighbours will do just as well.

If, heaven forbid, the unfortunate husband drops his wife, he must lift her back onto his back, or into his arms in order to continue the race.

Tactics: It's not easy being the wife, as these women display a range of techniques to avoid getting their faces dragged through the water

Safety first: Competitors Mr Poirotti and Mrs Marple of Finland have added a sensible helmet to their outfits, in case she gets dropped

Matching: Joonas Vainionpaa's hair is remarkably similar to wife Teea Sarvele's brightly-coloured trousers

Unusual: Hasselhoff and Ceylan were certainly one of the more unusual teams in the competition, held on Saturday, July 4

Victorious: A delighted Parviainen and Viljanen pose after winning the annual Wife Carrying World Champions for the second year in a row

The winner is the couple who manages to finish the race in the quickest time, although there are not the only ways you can win a prize.

The couple who are deemed the most entertaining, the best dressed and the strongest carrier will be given a special prize.

And it seems people really love the sport, returning year after year for the chance to be crowned Wife Carrying World Champion.