The sport of wife-carrying was born in the small town of Sonkajarvi in Finland. Male competitors race while each carrying their wives on their backs through an obstacle course. The history of wife-carrying is based on the 19th-century legend of Ronkainen the Robber. According to one of the versions, Ronkainen the Robber and the members of his gang were stealing food and women from neighboring villages carrying them over their shoulders as they ran away. Wife-Carrying World Championships are held annually in Finland and the winner receives the equivalent of his wife’s weight in beer.