Humans and horses line up ready for one of the world’s wackiest races held in Powys

The popular Man v Horse race takes place in one of Wales’ smallest towns – Llanwrtyd Wells - on Saturday, June 13.

The race, with Cambrian Training Company, Trailhead Fine Foods, NB Consortium and Race Rewards as sponsors, is expected to attract television crews from Japan and Wales this year.

Entries for runners and riders are full, but spectators are welcome for the race which starts at 11am from the town centre.

There’s also a mid-race viewing area to cheer on the competitors.

The event began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint in the back bar of the Neuadd Arms Hotel.

The then Landlord, Gordon Green, overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain.

The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test.

And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, Man v Horse.

The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse, resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds.

It took 25 years before a runner finally beat all the horses - in 2004 Huw Lobb won in 2hrs and 5mins, beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes.

His feat was repeated three years later by Florien Holtinger, again in 2022 by Ricky Lightfoot very swiftly followed by Daniel Connolly in 2023 and Dewi Griffiths in 2025.

2014 saw the introduction of electronic timing, with each competitor wearing a tag which automatically recorded their times.

This has improved on the timeliness and accuracy of the results published, which can be found on the Results Base website.

The escalating jackpot for a runner who beats the first horse and rider, which starts at £500 and increases by £500 each year the event takes place until it is won, stands at £500 for 2026.

The first jackpot received by Huw Lobb in 2004 had reached £25,000!

2025 also saw the introduction of a couple of new innovations - a cash prize of £250 for the first horse and rider to cross the finishing line and pass the subsequent vet check.

Also, the event went cup-less, so competitors need to carry a collapsible cup if they are not carrying their own hydration and therefore require water at the water stations.

For more information about any of the events, visit www.green-events.co.uk .

The following week Llanwrtyd Wells will be hosting the Drovers Walks on Saturday, June 20.

These walks follow In the footsteps of the Drovers of old who used to drive their cattle, sheep, pigs and geese across the mountains to the market towns of England.

There are three distances offered of eight, 12 or 20 miles. There are refreshments and check points along the route.

Entry is £10 with online entries closing seven days before the event.

It is possible to enter on the day but there is a £2 surcharge for doing so. Walkers should meet at the Neuadd Arms for a 9am start.

Meanwhile, a children's disco will take place in the Victoria Hall on Saturday, June 20 from 5pm until 9pm

This will be the first of several events as part of the Llanwrtyd Carnival. Watch this space for more details.