But perhaps cheese rolling and wife carrying sound like too much effort. Perhaps you would prefer to compete in a sporting event in which you could remain in a sitting position throughout. If so, you might enjoy the Sauna World Championships, held each August in Finland. In this event, men and women from all over the would compete to be the person who sits the longest in an incredibly hot sauna.
The competition begins with the sauna heated to a temperature of 230° Fahreheit (110°C)! Then, every 30 seconds, half a liter of water is thrown on to the sauna stove, which actually increases the heat. The last person to leave the sauna is the World Sauna Champion. Many contests experience first degree burns from the intense heat. After this experience, some contestants may no longer even be interested in winning the competition prize ~a sauna heather!
Spectators who watch participants run after chesses, carry wives, or sweat in saunas are clearly looking for a unique sporting experience. They want not only to witness a test of strength and determination, but have a good laugh as well!!