This year it was a real nail-biter. Finland’s Ville Parviainen and Janette Oksman finished the 253.5 meter obstacle course in 63.75 seconds, less than a second ahead of Britain’s Rich Blake Smith and Anna Marguerite Smith. Rules require that the woman must be over 17 years of age and weigh at least 108 pounds.  It is not required that the lady be actually the competitor’s own wife. He’s allowed to borrow a wife from a friend for the occasion. Importantly, in years past the winner received his wife’s weight in beer.

This year’s competition was documented by photographer Markku Ojala for the EPA.  The dramatic moments at the finish were documented by Ojala.  And in case you are wondering why everyone appears to be soaking wet take a look at Ojala’s picture of the Smith’s crossing the water obstacle.