It might not be the London or New York Marathon, but Llanwrtyd Wells certainly wins out when it comes to quirky with this most unusual and you would think mis-matched of events – although it turns out that might not be the case.
The marathon takes place every June and was started in 1980 by the landlord of the Neuadd Arms Hotel in Llanwrtyd Wells after two of his customers were discussing whether it would be possible for a man to beat a horse in a race. Years later, the event attracts competitors from around the world and contrary to what you might think, the finishing times are very close.
To give the competitors of both species a good chance, the course takes in both road and countryside areas although mostly it runs across the spectacular open moorland around the town. Because of the length of the course, the human element is split into 3 relay teams, but essentially all competitors run the same course.
For the 2010 event there were 253 runners, 115 relay teams and 44 horses running making this the largest horse race in the world!
Man has won the race once in 2007 when Huw Lobb won in 2hrs and 5mins, beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes.
Useful links:
Hotels in Llanwrtyd Wells
B&B’s in Llanwrtyd Wells
Self-catering cottages in Llanwrtyd Wells
