They've been bridesmaids four times, but now the weighty efforts of a couple from Maine have lifted the North American Wife Carrying Championship.

Jesse Wall carried Christina Arsenault over a 278-yard course that bedevilled by log hurdles, sand traps and a "widow maker" water hazard at Sunday River ski resort to claim the crown in a time of 1 minute 4.1 seconds.

About 50 couples competed with the winners taking home Ms Arsenault's weight in beer and five times her weight in cash: $482.50.

The contest is open to unmarried couples and Mr Wall and Ms Arsenault have finished second twice and third twice.

Ms Arsenault says they are able to do so well because she is "wicked small" and he is "wicked strong".

The couple have now qualified for the world championship next summer in Finland.