Historic Win for Wales in 2025 Man v Horse Race

Around 650 runners and 60 horses descended on the tiny Powys town of Llanwrtyd Wells on Saturday, June 14, for the annual Man v Horse race – an iconic endurance event held every year since 1980, born from a pub debate about whether a man could outrun a horse over mountainous terrain.

This year made history as Dewi Griffiths, a Swansea Harrier, became the first Welshman ever to beat the horses. He completed the gruelling 24-mile multi-terrain course in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 54 seconds, finishing nearly 13 minutes ahead of Gweni, the fastest horse, ridden by Gabi Morley, who clocked 2:35:45.

Griffiths’ performance earned him a trophy and a £250 prize, and placed him among an elite group of runners who have achieved this feat since the event began. His win was celebrated as a moment of national pride in one of Wales’s most eccentric and beloved sporting traditions.

The 2025 race also introduced cup-less water stations and strict cut-off times to support sustainability and ensure competitive standards.

Dewi Griffiths’ victory marks a proud milestone for Welsh sport – and a memorable moment in the history of this legendary race.

A Race Like No Other

Since its founding, Man v Horse has tested the limits of endurance and sparked global curiosity. While horses often win, only five runners in the event’s history – including Griffiths – have managed to beat the fastest horse:

• Huw Lobb (2004)

• Florien Holtinger (2007)

• Ricky Lightfoot (2022)

• Daniel Connolly (2023)

• Dewi Griffiths (2025)