The world-famous Man v Horse Race returned to Llanwrtyd Wells on Saturday, June 13th, delivering another unforgettable contest across its challenging 23.5 mile route – and marking the first year of headline sponsorship from Cambrian Training Company.
This year’s event featured a brand-new course rising to 4,000 feet and covering tarmac roads, forestry tracks, farm trails, bridleways, open moorland and river crossings. For the first time, GPS tracking was introduced as part of the timing system, giving spectators and organisers unprecedented insight into the race as it unfolded.
A full field of competitors took to the start line outside the Neuadd Arms Hotel:
- 75 horses
- 186 relay teams (three runners each)
- 706 individual runners
Runners set off at 11:00am, followed by horses and riders at 11:15am.
2026 WINNERS
Overall Winner
Rachel Lima on her horse, Zameel: 02:31:37
Rachel Lima said “I took part last year for the first time and came second. The new race route was quite a technical race for the horse. The most difficult part were the bogs and riding downhill.”
Individual Runner Winner
Daniel Connolly: 02:39:37
“I ran the course three years ago when I was the overall winner. This year the new course was very challenging,” said Daniel Connolly.
A New Era of Support from Cambrian Training Company
As headline sponsor for the first time, Cambrian Training Company played a large role in supporting the 45th running of the race. Their contribution as well as cash sponsorship included:
- Refreshments for race competitors, marshals and organisers
- 200 marshal goody bags
- Staff participation both in the race with experienced ultra runners Donna Heath and Alex Hogg racing and staff supporting behind the scenes
Cambrian Training Company, Managing Director Faith O’Brien, a keen horsewoman herself, said:
“Cambrian Training Company is proud to be the headline sponsor for Man v Horse 2026. This event embodies everything we value—wellbeing, the outdoors, community spirit and celebrating the Welsh landscape. We were delighted to support the runners, riders, volunteers and spectators, and even more delighted to see members of our own team take on the challenge.”
Organisers Celebrate Strong Partnership
Green Events, organisers of Man v Horse, welcomed the new partnership, stating in March:
“We are very pleased to have Cambrian Training Company as our headline sponsor for 2026. Their commitment to skills, training and the hospitality sector aligns perfectly with our mission to bring visitors into Llanwrtyd Wells and support local businesses. With the company’s founder, Arwyn Watkins OBE, being a son of Llanwrtyd and much of the new course running across his family’s farmland, this partnership feels especially fitting.”
A Race with a Legendary History
Man v Horse has grown into an internationally recognised endurance challenge. The course was redesigned in 1982 to create a more even contest, resulting in famously close finishes. Only five runners have ever beaten the horses:
- Huw Lobb (2004)
- Florien Holtinger (2007)
- Ricky Lightfoot (2022)
- Daniel Connolly (2023)
- Dewi Griffiths (2025)
The race’s unique jackpot prize – awarded only if a runner beats the first horse – was reset to £500 last year after being claimed in 2025.
Looking Ahead
With a refreshed course, new technology, and a partnership with Cambrian Training Company, the 2026 event has set a new benchmark for the future of Man v Horse.
Rachel Lima with her horse Zameel, Overall Winner of Man v Horse Race 2026
Daniel Connolly, Individual Runner Winner of the Man v Horse Race 2026
Ends
For more information, please contact Green Events at enquiries@green-events.co.uk or Alison Collingridge, Cambrian Training Company’s head of marketing manager, on Tel: 01938 555 893 or alison.collingridge@cambriantraining.com
