Man v Horse 2019: Herbie the horse wins 40th race

The largest horse race in Britain saw 650 runners try to outrun 60 horses over a 22-mile course on Saturday, June 8.

Ilkley Harriers' runner Jack Wood, from Yorkshire, was the fastest human to complete the course at Maes y Gwaelod in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds. His finishing time was faster than the winning horses from the previous two years.

Jack said: "It's a great course, great organisation so thank you."

Jack Wood's time was faster than the winning horses from the previous two years. Photo: Anwen Parry

Woottonheath Herbie, ridden by Mark Adams from the New Forest, crossed the finishing line and won the race in two hours 18 minutes and 34 seconds. 

Had he beaten the horse, Mr Wood would have been the third person ever to do so since the competition started in 1980.

Horse rider Mark Adams wins the Man v Horse 2019 trophy. Photo: Anwen Parry

Horses gallop through Llanwrtyd Wells in the 40th Man v Horse race. Photo: Geraint Parry Record-breaking professional ultrarunner Michael Wardian attempted to outrun a horse on Saturday. Representing Team USA, the 45-year-old from Arlington, Virginia, was the third human to cross the finishing line in two hours, 34 minutes and three seconds.

"The hills here are fantastically big. I just put my head down and tried to get through the best that I could. The horses beat me today but I had a great time," Michael told the crowds at Maes y Gwaelod.

"There are so many people along the course so thank you very much, guys, for being here. It was an unbelievable experience. I would highly recommended it to anyone."

Michael Wardian crosses the finishing line in third place. Photo: Anwen Parry

BBC presenter Sophie Raworth returned to Llanwrtyd Wells to take on the legendary race with endurance runner Susie Chan. She completed the course in three hours and 57 minutes, the exact time that she clocked last year.

"Crazy race 22 miles racing 60 horses across Welsh hills (which feel like mountains to a Londoner)," Sophie said in a post on Instagram.

"Knee deep in mud, ankle deep in water, exactly same time as last year. Brilliant race."

BBC presenter Sophie Raworth completed her second Man v Horse in the exact time as last year. Photo: Geraint Parry

Susie Chan praised Race Director Bob Greenough and his team of volunteers who make "this special race happen. Congratulations on 40 years!"

Endurance runner Susie Chan completed her fifth Man v Horse race. Photo: Geraint Parry

Since 1991 Peter Wirtzfeld, from Worthing, near Brighton, has never missed a Man v Horse event. This year was his 29th race and he completed the course in four hours, 22 minutes and 39 seconds.

The first and second-placed runners and a rider from the first ever Man v Horse race had the honour of starting this year’s race.

Dic Evans was the winner, Steve Orralls took second place and Chris Powell rode Aries in the first ever event in 1980.

Fastest human in the first ever Man v Horse, Dic Evans, with Jack Wood, Man v Horse 2019's fastest human. Photo: Geraint Parry

Man v Horse 2019 medals marking the 40th race. Photo: Anwen Parry Dic said: "We all have to thank Gordon [Green] for this. Forty years ago, my friend Steve Orralls and the Powell brothers were here competing Man v Horse, and from a little acorn it grew into a great oak tree. Thank you Gordon, thank you ever so much.

"Thank you Llanwrtyd for all the welcome we've had over the years to all these runners."

He added: "We're lucky to be here, 40 years on."

Bob Greenough, race director, said: "It's been a long haul. It's getting bigger every year, it's good."