Moral Imperative

Brian and Dori, Rinke and Carol, Jay and Jess, your course is clear.

You must carry your spouses.

Carry them to GLORY!

Since I know Jason won't click on them, the rules:

...the following rules set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee will apply:

* The length of the official track is 253.5 meters, and the surface of the track is partially sand, partially grass and partially gravel

* The track has two dry obstacles and a water obstacle, about one meter deep (Query: How would supporters of the "Estonian Carry" shown here, prevent their wives from drowning in one meter of water?)



* The wife to be carried may be your own, the neighbour's or you may have found her farther afield; she must, however, be over 17 years of age (This may be the best use of the words "farther afield" in history)

* The minimum weight of the wife to be carried is 49 kilos (i.e. 108 pounds). If it is less than 49 kilos, the wife will be burdened with such a heavy rucksack that the total weight to be carried is 49 kilos. (Some Finnish lawyer wrote this, I just know it. I love these rules.)

* All the participants must have fun (Anyone not having fun, will be shot)

* If a contestant drops his wife that couple will be fined 15 seconds per drop (Water hazzards, dropped wives, the estonian carry just sounds more and more dangerous doesn't it?)

* The only equipment allowed is a belt worn by the carrier (and, judging by the picture above, some very nice green tights as well)

* The contestants run the race two at a time, so each heat is a contest in itself

* Each contestant takes care of his/her safety and, if deemed necessary, insurance (definitely a lawyer at work here)

* The contestants have to pay attention to the instructions given by the organisers of the competition

* There is only one category in the World Championships and the winner is the couple who completes the course in the shortest time (This is a shame don't you think? There should be weight classes, age brackets. The estonian carry needs its own division. Why is this not shown on ESPN2 at 3AM? This seems like it would beat the hell out the World's Strongest Man for entertainment value)

* Also the most entertaining couple, the best costume and the strongest carrier will be awarded a special prize

* Participation fee is 50 euro (currently $59.59, what a bargain!)

The only question in my mind, does Jay carry Jess or does Jess carry Jay?