Marathon man beaten by horse
A record number of entries in the annual 22-mile man V horse race challenge sees the attempt fail once again
A marathon runner has once again failed to beat a horse in the “Man Versus Horse” challenge, a 22-mile race organised in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales.
Mark Croasdale, 37, a former Royal Marine from Lancaster, was on course to become the first individual runner to beat a horse in the race’s 23 yearhistory.
In 2000 Mark was part of the Croasdale Crusaders relay team who beat the first horse home. He was also the first individual runner home.
After finishing 23rd in this year’s London Marathon, bookmakers William Hill cut the odds ofMark beating a horse from 33/1 to 10/1.
Mark set out on the first leg of the relay team before continuing as an individual, however he failed to finish the individual section after going wrong on the course.
First horse and rider home was Robyn Petrie-Richie riding Drumghigha Shema. In a nail-biting finish three horses and riders crossed the line together separated only by a nose and a neck.
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The first individual runner home was James McQueen from North Wales who finished in 2 hours, 18mins and 52secs.
This year saw a record number of 37 horses entered and event organiser Ron Skilton said: “This race is always well supported and we are seeing an increasing number of international entries, particularly as the prize for the runner beating a horse stands at £23,000 for next year.”
“I think that providing the conditions favour the runners and an event takes place on a hot, dry day then a man could beat a horse.”
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