Whole Earth Man v Horse – Llanwrtyd Wells, June 2025

I had the privilege of taking part in the legendary Man v Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells—and what a day it was! Nestled in mid-Wales, this event pits trail runners against horse riders in one of the most unique endurance challenges out there. Although I’d heard plenty about the mud, hills, river crossings and close encounters with galloping horses, nothing quite prepares you for the real thing.

The weekend is about more than just the race itself. The night before, the village hosts a pasta party that sets the tone for what’s to come. The whole event village has a festival-like atmosphere, with locals, runners, riders, and volunteers all coming together in a buzzing celebration of this one-of-a-kind race. You’ll want to be there both the night before and the night after to fully absorb the unique spirit of Man v Horse.

The event is superbly organised. Number pick-up was smooth, marshals were positioned just right, and everything ran like clockwork. The atmosphere around the village centre was incredibly welcoming—friendly faces everywhere, plenty of support, and a true sense that everyone is part of something special.

The course was tough. Just over 22 miles of proper technical terrain: boggy moorland, narrow forest trails, steep climbs, loose rocky descents, and plenty of stream crossings. There wasn’t much flat, and it kept you alert from start to finish. A challenging route, but also a beautiful one.

What makes this race really unique is the presence of horses. Throughout the route, you’re often sharing narrow trails with them—sometimes being overtaken at full speed, hooves thundering just inches away. It was exhilarating, occasionally nerve-wracking, and totally unforgettable. The horses are well cared for too. At the halfway point there's a vet check where riders must dismount and allow their horses to rest. Water stations for the animals were set up with buckets and giant sponges, and even a blacksmith was on hand in case any shoeing was needed. I had a quick chat with him—it had been a busy day.

Runners were just as well looked after. There were regular water stations throughout, and on finishing, we were greeted with sandwiches, hot drinks, a medal—and in true Man v Horse fashion—a jar of Whole Earth peanut butter. Sunny skies held out all day despite a grim forecast, which only added to the celebratory feel at the finish.

Later that evening, the pub hosted live music and a lively celebration as runners and riders came together to swap stories and share in what felt like a genuinely special achievement. The festival vibe continued late into the night, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

If 22 miles solo sounds like too much, there’s also the option to enter as a relay team. But get in quick—this event sells out within hours. It’s easy to see why.

Man v Horse is one of the most challenging, well-run, and character-filled events I’ve taken part in. A proper adventure with a real sense of community. If you’re after something different—something muddy, wild, and unforgettable—put this one on your list.