GNN's award winning City of the Month for July is Sonkajarvi

Sonkajarvi is in Finland where, in July, you can view the Wife Carrying World Championships, the winner receiving the prize of their wife's weight in beer.

Dropping and bouncing of the wife incurs a fine This "sport" dates back to 19th century, according to the local legend, when Herkko Ronkainen used to carry girls on his shoulders.

You can also participate in either the sprint or the marathon if you think you are fit enough to beat the world record of 55.5 seconds, held by Margo Uusorg and Birgit Ulricht from Estonia. Also the wife, who does not need to be your own, must weigh more than 49 kilograms and be older than 17.

More info at SONKAJÄRVI

Photos of Wife Carrying Championships at Arto loves Miki

 

 

MAP: Where in Finland is  SONKAJÄRVI?