In the 36-year history of the Man vs. Horse Marathon, in the town of Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, a human has beaten the fastest horse only twice.
In the 36-year history of the Man vs. Horse Marathon, in the town of Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, a human has beaten the fastest horse only twice.
David G. Allan/CNN
On race morning, the two-legged competitors start from the parking lot of a local hotel.
On race morning, the two-legged competitors start from the parking lot of a local hotel.
David G. Allan/CNN
Horses convene up a side road and give the human racers a head start to avoid a Pamplona-style pell-mell at the starting line.<br />
Horses convene up a side road and give the human racers a head start to avoid a Pamplona-style pell-mell at the starting line.
David G. Allan/CNN
The race began in 1980 after a local pub manager overheard two customers argue whether a human could beat a horse in a race.
The race began in 1980 after a local pub manager overheard two customers argue whether a human could beat a horse in a race.
David G. Allan/CNN
Two miles into the race, the course heads off the paved road and up a trail with a steep incline of roughly 30% grade. This is often where horses pass most of the runners, who tend to walk this section.<br />
Two miles into the race, the course heads off the paved road and up a trail with a steep incline of roughly 30% grade. This is often where horses pass most of the runners, who tend to walk this section.
CNN
The first year of the race, there were four horses and 29 runners. This year's 60 included 60 horses (with riders) and 630 solo runners between the ages of 18 and 73.
The first year of the race, there were four horses and 29 runners. This year's 60 included 60 horses (with riders) and 630 solo runners between the ages of 18 and 73.
David G. Allan/CNN
Man vs. Horse is up and down a mountain of 2,000 feet of elevation. And much of the course features rocky, ankle-threatening conditions.
Man vs. Horse is up and down a mountain of 2,000 feet of elevation. And much of the course features rocky, ankle-threatening conditions.
David G. Allan/CNN
Between the small boulders, steep incline, uncleared river crossings, and of course, horses being ridden very close, it's a wonder the race hasn't had injuries more extensive than the rare twisted ankle.
Between the small boulders, steep incline, uncleared river crossings, and of course, horses being ridden very close, it's a wonder the race hasn't had injuries more extensive than the rare twisted ankle.
CNN
By the time they reach the last two miles and hit the waist-high river crossing, many of the racers fall down, buckling under weakened legs.<br />
By the time they reach the last two miles and hit the waist-high river crossing, many of the racers fall down, buckling under weakened legs.
David G. Allan/CNN
The risks of uneven rocks, the water crossings and the potential to get clipped by a horse require mental focus and attention to obstacles for the runners.
The risks of uneven rocks, the water crossings and the potential to get clipped by a horse require mental focus and attention to obstacles for the runners.
CNN
The race winds through verdant, rolling, sheep-speckled hills.
The race winds through verdant, rolling, sheep-speckled hills.
David G. Allan/CNN
The racers and horses are all timed, but the latter must make two quick veterinary checks during the race to avoid exhaustion.
The racers and horses are all timed, but the latter must make two quick veterinary checks during the race to avoid exhaustion.
CNN
Humans are capable of building remarkable endurance, and better at perspiring than their equine competitors.
Humans are capable of building remarkable endurance, and better at perspiring than their equine competitors.
CNN
The finish line is split in two, segregated by species. In 2016, a horse came in first place, as usual.
The finish line is split in two, segregated by species. In 2016, a horse came in first place, as usual.
David G. Allan/CNN