A man has today become the third ever winner of the legendary Man v Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells.

Ricky Lightfoot crossed the finishing line ahead of the first horse and rider by two minutes and three seconds during the epic 22.5-mile challenge.

Ricky, who took part representing the West Cumbrian-based running club Ellenborough AC, won the £3,500 prize after beating Lanehouse Boy and his rider Kim Alman with a time of two hours, 22 minutes and 33 seconds.

The off-road race involving 1,200 participants made its return today (Saturday, June 11) after a two-year break.

BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth, who took part in Man v Horse in 2019 tweeted: "Man has beaten horse! For only the 3rd time in 41 years. Congratulations @rickylightfoot.

"That is one of my favourite races. 22 miles of brutal hills being chased by horses."

Running for more than 40 years, the marathon event has only had three people complete the course quicker than a horse.

The last time a runner beat the first horse and rider in the race was 15 years ago in 2007 when Florien Holtinger crossed the line in two hours, 20 minutes, and 30 seconds.

The jackpot starts at £500 and increases by £500 each year the event takes place until it is won. In 2004, the first ever Man v Horse winner Huw Lobb won £25,000.

Previous years of Man v Horse have seen the likes of British Ultra Marathon runner Robbie Britton, and endurance athlete Susie Chan leading Team Whole Earth as the event’s returning headline sponsor. For 2022, its stellar squad line-up includes Team GB Olympian and silver medallist within pentathlon, Heather Fell.