Race pitting runners v horses returns to Quantocks

Only four competitors have ever beaten a horse in the history of the race

Runners looking for something a little different this autumn have been invited to try racing a horse for 23 miles through the countryside.

The gruelling Man v Horse endurance race is returning to Somerset's Quantock Hills for the second time in October.

The unusual event, which was first held more than 40 years ago in Powys, Wales, sees runners given a head start of only 15 minutes.

"Like all great ideas, it was hatched in a pub," joked Philip King, one of the organisers.

Mr King told BBC Radio Somerset the "challenging but incredible" race was "definitely a spectator sport".

"One thing that really makes the event are our volunteers and the people who come along to support and spectate," he said.

"Frankly, if you are running or riding and you've got that adrenaline going, there's nothing better than having people cheer you on."

The gruelling event raises money for therapy sessions for young people

Beating a horse over 23 miles might seem like a long shot but over the course of the race's history, four runners have done just that, while the first race held in Somerset 2023 saw a tie.

This year's event will raise money for Project Pegasus – a therapy programme centred around horses for children and young people in Somerset who have been affected by drug and alcohol use in their family.

The programme is run by Equi-Librium Coaching and Therapy, which was co-founded by Mr King, a child therapist.

"Very often traditional therapy isn't for [these children]," he said.

"But being outside, in the outdoors – in the forest, working in the field with a horse – they can start to rebuild trust and connection and learn what it is to have positive relationships when they've had such hard times."

The race, he added, "is all about hopefulness and joy".