Australian Wife Carrying Titles

What is Wife Carrying?

Wife Carrying is actually very much like it sounds! Men carrying wives (or girlfriends, sisters, cousins or friends!!) through an obstacle course that includes sand, water and fences. The team with the fastest time through the obstacle course wins.

History

Originating in Finland, the act of Wife Carrying is based around the 19th century legend “Ronkainen the Robber”. There are three stories as to how the sport was developed. Firstly, Ronkainen and his thieves were accused of stealing food and women from local villages carrying the women away on their backs. Secondly, the men would go to surrounding villages to steal the wives of other men and later become their wives. Finally, Ronkainen trained his thieves to become successful and skilful for their missions by requiring them to practice carrying large heavy sacks on their backs.

The first modern day wife carrying event was held in Finland in 1992 with foreign contestants entering in 1995. The Wife Carrying World Championships are now held annually in Sonkajärvi, Finland.

Australian History

Singleton commenced hosting the Australian Wife Carrying Titles in 2005. Since then, the event has grown to become a major highlight of the event calendar for the Hunter. Teams enter the event from all over Australia, including Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Goulburn, Tamworth, Central Coast, Merriwa, Muswellbrook, Stroud, Hawkesbury, Moss Vale, Gunnedah, Lake Macquarie, Templestow (Vic), Cairns, Maitland and of course, Singleton. In the past 19 years, over 150 couples have entered the competition. Fourteen couples have made the trip over to Finland to represent Australia—and have had a fantastic experience in the process.

Australian Champions

2026 This could be you.
2025 Ben & Jess Gregg
2024 Oliver Klotz & Emma Bestic
2023 Elliott Earnshaw & Adelaide Taylor
2022 Nick & Ashleigh Topham
2019 Nicholas Metcalf & Jess Codrington
2018 Dylan Hedges & Alana Flemming
2017 Adam Cullen & Tylee Robinson
2016 Adrian & Amanda Betts
2015 Jess McCallum & Ben Gregg
2014 Jade Cupitt & Luke Papworth
2013 Amiee & Jamie Graham
2012 Beau Mynard & Ellie Gresham
2011 Michael & Emma Blenman
2010 Anthony Partridge & Kath Whalan
2009 Anthony Partridge & Kath Whalan
2008 Jason Doyle & Lyneece Garland
2007 Anthony Partridge & Angela Cafe
2006 Kal Baker & Kelly Smith
2005 Anthony Partridge & Angela Cafe

2025 Australian Wife Carrying Titles

The 2025 Australian Wife Carrying Titles will be held on Saturday 27th September 2025 at approximately 3.30pm* (*time subject to change by N.A.A.) at the Singleton Showground.

First Prize

The winning duo of the Australian Wife Carrying Titles at the 2025 Singleton Show will win a chance to represent Australia at the World Wife Carrying Titles in Finland* July 2026! (*Subject to change by the NAA)