Pairs compete in quirky UK Wife Carrying Race

A pair from Finland has won one of the country's most unusual contests. Dozens of people braved murky weather to take part in the UK Wife Carrying Race, now in its 17th year. 

The race - originating in Scandinavia - requires contestants to carry their wives, husbands, partners, friends or family members up and down a hill in Dorking, Surrey.  Finns Teemu and Jatta were crowned the 2026 champions on Sunday, winning a barrel of local ale.

Its sporting roots are in Finland, where the first world championships took place in 1996.Wife-carrying contests have happened around the world, including in the United States, India and Germany.