Westbury dominate at Man v. Horse

Westbury Harriers were the most well represented club at this year's Man v. Horse, with 11 competitors turned out to take on 50 horses, in what was billed the World's Largest Horse Race! Held over 22 miles of hilly and boggy Welsh countryside, near the town of Llanwrtyd Wells the 32nd running of the race once again saw a horse triumph, as wet and windy conditions put the odds well and truly in the horses favour. Beti Gordon on Next in Line Grangeway won in a time of 2.08.37, some 17 minutes ahead of the first runner Charlie Pearson in 2.25.45. It was a near record turnout for the event, as nearly 300 individuals and over 100 three-person relay teams took part in the event!

For the Harriers it was a day of great success, as Rich Collinson ran a cracking time of 2.34.06 to finish second overall! Not far behind was John Terry who finished fourth in a time of 2.36.18, only 25 seconds behind third! Completing the team, Anthony Glover ran  2.40.14 to finish seventh, as they wrapped up the team trophy for the third consecutive year!

Then it was our men's relay team, consisting of Julian Bailey-Gard, Phil Court and Alex Miller, who between them got round in 2.45.01. Then came former member Steve Adams in 2.46.19, he was some 10 min ahead of his bedfellow for the evening Colin Johnson in 2.57.15!

Wet weather, meant the runners took shelter in the pub, prior to the race!

Another former member Gareth Howard came home in a time of 3.07.00 dead, before a bit of a wait ensued, but then we had Laura Tanna and Graham Bazeley finishing together in a time of 4.09.20. Not long after Jane Goodwin was home in 4.17.28 and then Jane Thornton in a time of 4.25.05.

Collinson looking unimpressed with 2nd place

The presentation was performed by the head of the Monster Raving Loony Party - Howling Laud Hope - who did not impress a nonchalant Rich Collinson, as he received his 2nd place trophy! He soon cheered up though, as he was joined by Glover and Terry to collect the team trophy.

The victorious team collect their third consecutive trophy

With the town planning to host the alternative version of the Olympic Games next summer, man versus horse is going to be an Olympic sport for one year only! It promises to be a year not to be missed! The Wall Street Journal's take on events can be found here, full results of the race here, and video highlights of the whole event here and here. Enjoy!