Man v Horse
The original Man v Horse in Llanwrtyd Wells started in 1980. The race normally covers 21.5 miles with 3000ft of climbing, but this year the recent weather had been so wet that the organisers made a change on safety grounds. A stream crossing was removed but was replaced by an additional 2 miles with an extra 1000ft of climbing. On the day, it rained almost continuously and became heavier and windier towards the end.
Since the race started, the fastest horse has only been beaten twice; the last time in 2007. 2017 didn’t prove an exception with the first horse beating the first man by nearly 30 minutes. The first runner was Owen Beilby of Wharfdale Harriers in 2.50.21. First lady was Maddie Horton of Team Donut in 3.15.52. Forest of Dean AC had a larger number of entries this year. Dan Sandford was first of these to finish in 3.25.22. Next was Julian Boon in 4.15.40, much slower than usual but he was saving himself for an Ironman in the lake District next weekend. Third FODAC, and first lady, was Helen Lipscomb in 4.26.00, followed by Chris Moore, third man and 3s behind. 2nd lady was Gemma Hewitt 4.34.18, and 3rd Kate Burke 5.25.47. Other FODAC times: Andy Morgan 4.33.22; Mark Channer 4.35.25 ; Stef Francis 5.29.22; Jo Edwards 5.29.22; Catherine Roberts 5.29.26; and Michael Marks 5.29.22. Every FODAC runner beat at least two horses!
