And, it will be the case for competitors in the annual Wife Carrying Championships at the Singleton Show this weekend.

Forever a fan favourite since its inception in 2005, the event is more than a bit of a laugh to some, with the winners gaining a free trip to the world championships in Finland next year.

The show’s publicity officer, Rebecca Clark, said the racers didn’t take the competition lightly. 

“It’s a big prize with flights and accommodation to Finland so it’s most definitely taken seriously,” she said.

The defending champions will be returning this year, but the Morisset couple won’t have it easy, with people travelling from interstate for the chance to be crowned number one.

The event that started with just locals 13 years ago has gained national notoriety, and has inspired others to incorporate it into their line-ups, too.

“A couple of years ago we did a push to try and get other shows to run a wife carrying competition, which they did and they still do,” Ms Clark said.

“And, the winners from those races come to Singleton to compete for the national title.”

It will be one of the main events on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper crowd expected when it starts at 4pm.

“The grandstand and the ringside seating is [usually] choc-a-block by 4 o’clock because everyone knows they need to be there for the wife carrying,” she said.

“So, it’s definitely one of the biggest drawcards for spectators at the show.”

It does have some rules, with the person being carried having to weigh at least 49 kilograms, both team members being over 18 years old, and at least one of them being an Australian citizen.

Ms Clark urges anyone interested in watching the unique event to come down to the Singleton Show, where food, drinks, entertainment and other competitions will thrill visitors and locals alike on September 21 and 22.