For the first time in 25 years two legs have triumphed over four legs to win the annual “man versus horse” race.
Some 40 horses and riders lined up against nearly 500 people and relay teams in the gruelling 22-mile race in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales.
No human running alone has ever been able to defeat a horse in the 25-year history of the competition.
The historic feat for man was today claimed by runner Huw Lobb from Bedford who won in two hours five minutes and 19 seconds. It was the first time he had competed in the William Hill Man versus Horse Marathon.
The 27-year old IT consultant beat horse Kay Bee Jay, ridden by Zoe White, who crossed the line in two hours seven minutes and 36 seconds.
Mr Lobb said: “It is the 25th anniversary today and I am the first person to beat the horse it feels great.
“I was the forth Briton to finish the London marathon this year so I have been in training for a long time now.
“But the race is very different I have been up and down mountains today.” Mr Lobb won the £25,000 prize money, which has increased by £1,000 each year after remaining unclaimed.
“It is amazing to win this money but I won’t believe it till I see it,” he said.
“I am going to buy myself a pair of fell running shoes. I have never competed in anything like this before but I seem to be quite good at it and hope to come back next year to defend my win.” The race is run over 22 miles and takes competitors through open moorland, on farm tracks, footpaths, and roads.
William Hill offered odds of 16/1 that one of the runners could beat the four-legged contestants to the finish line.
Two years ago runner Mark Croasdale missed out on the prize by a matter of seconds.
A permanent memorial to the late Screaming Lord Sutch, who was closely connected with the event, was also unveiled today.
Lord Sutch attended the race for 11 years as official starter and was there just days before his death in 1999.
The politician’s long-term friend, former madam Cynthia Payne performed the official ceremony prior to the start of the race.
The leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party was also being remembered by the incorporation within the event of “the world’s first Loony Marathon“.
Some 30 followers and colleagues of the flamboyant rock-and-roll singer dressed up in top hats and waste coats to remember Lord Sutch.
Graham Sharpe, a spokesman for sponsors William Hill, said: “I think Lord Sutch had a hand in this victory today. We unveiled a memorial to him before this race and he always told me, time and time again, a man would beat a horse one day.” Earlier this month a retired greyhound defeated a top racehorse to claim the crown of fastest animal in the racing world.
Tiny Tim, a six-year-old gelding was unable to hold off a challenge from canine hopeful Simply Fabulous at Kempton Park racecourse in Middlesex.
Some 40 horses and riders lined up against nearly 500 people and relay teams in the gruelling 22-mile race in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales.
No human running alone has ever been able to defeat a horse in the 25-year history of the competition.
The historic feat for man was today claimed by runner Huw Lobb from Bedford who won in two hours five minutes and 19 seconds. It was the first time he had competed in the William Hill Man versus Horse Marathon.
The 27-year old IT consultant beat horse Kay Bee Jay, ridden by Zoe White, who crossed the line in two hours seven minutes and 36 seconds.
Mr Lobb said: “It is the 25th anniversary today and I am the first person to beat the horse it feels great.
“I was the forth Briton to finish the London marathon this year so I have been in training for a long time now.
“But the race is very different I have been up and down mountains today.” Mr Lobb won the £25,000 prize money, which has increased by £1,000 each year after remaining unclaimed.
“It is amazing to win this money but I won’t believe it till I see it,” he said.
“I am going to buy myself a pair of fell running shoes. I have never competed in anything like this before but I seem to be quite good at it and hope to come back next year to defend my win.” The race is run over 22 miles and takes competitors through open moorland, on farm tracks, footpaths, and roads.
William Hill offered odds of 16/1 that one of the runners could beat the four-legged contestants to the finish line.
Two years ago runner Mark Croasdale missed out on the prize by a matter of seconds.
A permanent memorial to the late Screaming Lord Sutch, who was closely connected with the event, was also unveiled today.
Lord Sutch attended the race for 11 years as official starter and was there just days before his death in 1999.
The politician’s long-term friend, former madam Cynthia Payne performed the official ceremony prior to the start of the race.
The leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party was also being remembered by the incorporation within the event of “the world’s first Loony Marathon“.
Some 30 followers and colleagues of the flamboyant rock-and-roll singer dressed up in top hats and waste coats to remember Lord Sutch.
Graham Sharpe, a spokesman for sponsors William Hill, said: “I think Lord Sutch had a hand in this victory today. We unveiled a memorial to him before this race and he always told me, time and time again, a man would beat a horse one day.” Earlier this month a retired greyhound defeated a top racehorse to claim the crown of fastest animal in the racing world.
Tiny Tim, a six-year-old gelding was unable to hold off a challenge from canine hopeful Simply Fabulous at Kempton Park racecourse in Middlesex.
lol
