The twenty-fifth running took place on June 12th 2004, in Llanwrtyd Wells, Mid Wales. £25,000 up for grabs for first runner to beat the first horse and rider. Entry Details...01591 610270
 How it started : Chatting over a pint one night Neuadd Arms, Landlord Gordon Green overheard two men discussing the relative merits of man and horse. After several pints one was brave (or foolish!) enough to suggest that over a significant distance across country, man was equal to any horse. After several more pints, the inevitable challenge was made, at which point Gordon decided that rather than this be a private argument, it should be put to the test in full public view. This is exactly what has happened every year since then. It transpires that there is a historic precedent for this event.
Early in the 18th century, one Guto Nyth-Bran is reported to have raced against a horse in Cardiganshire and won the race. (Incidentally, we would strongly advise all wives, husbands or lovers to refrain from slapping their loved-ones on the back should he or she win the race, since this is how poor Guto met his untimely death after one such race!) The actual pitting of man against horse in a marathon, though, appears to be unique to the annual event in Llanwrtyd Wells. The first race took place in June 1980. In 1982 the course was changed to provide a more even match between horse and runner and in 2000 the fastest horse beat the runner by only
80 seconds!
And then mountain bikes : In 1985 mountain bikes were introduced to the race and Jacqui Phelan, US Ladies' Champion, was just minutes behind the first horse. In 1989 Tim Gould, Cycles Peugeot UK, beat the horse by nearly 3 minutes. This was the first time the winning horse had been beaten by a mountain cyclist and Tim won £5,000 from William Hill for his fine achievement. The bookies also had to pay out a bonus in 1995 and 1996 when a relay team came home ahead of the first horse.
 Unfortunately mountain bikes have not been allowed to participate in the races held since 1994 because of an anomaly in the law, which forbids bicycles to race on bridleways. The department of Transport has recognised this and proposals to change the law are being sought. Once the law has been changed, bikes will again be allowed to participate in the marathon itself and race against runners and horses.
To watch the race : Vantage point details for spectators will be available on the day. The organisers would be most grateful if spectators would respect the generosity of the landowners in allowing the event to take place over their land by keeping all cars on the road.
And finally - boost your energy : The organisers will be holding a pasta party on the Friday evening before the race at the Neuadd Arms in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells. This stamina boosting food is free of charge to all competitors. The party starts at 7pm and finishes at 9pm - so make sure you arrive on time and have your entry receipt ready. All competitors will receive their entry as confirmation of their place in the race.
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