The World's Craziest Contests

The Hangang High Wire World Championships, Seoul

The Challenge: Speed-walk half a mile and bring home the $10,000 prize. That’s it. Oh, and you’ll be 80 feet in the air on a 1.5-inch-wide wire.

The Scene: These high times take place above Seoul’s Han River (the next competition is in 2010), with medics on hand in case a contestant ends up in the drink. There’s a 20-minute time limit; the world record-holder made it across in less than 11 minutes. Would-be walkers must submit evidence of prior high-wire experience to the organizers for review.