The Man V Horse Marathon

The Man versus Horse Marathon is an annual race over 22 miles (35 km), where runners compete against riders on horseback. The race — which is a shorter distance than an official marathon road race — takes place in the Welsh town of Llanwrtyd Wells every June. The event started in 1980 when local landlord Gordon Green overheard a discussion between two men in his pub, the Neuadd Arms. One man suggested that over a significant distance across the country, surely a man was equal to any horse? Green decided that the challenge should be tested in full public view, and organised the first event. The first woman to run the race was Ann King in 1981. In 1982, the route of the course was amended slightly to give a more even match between the competitors. The course is slightly shorter than a traditional marathon at a reported 22 miles but over rougher terrain. In 1985, cyclists were allowed to compete too - and that year, U.S. ladies champion cyclist Jacquie Phelan narrowly lost to the first horse. In 1989, Britis