Man behind Wales' man v horse race dies, aged 90

Gordon Green, who founded the man v horse race in 1980, has died following a short illness, aged 90

Gordon Green, the man behind Wales' famous man v horse race, has died aged 90 following a short illness.

Mr Green, who was recognised by then-prime minister David Cameron in 2014 as an "outstanding volunteer", began the race in 1980 after a pub chat discussing whether a man or horse was faster at crossing mountainous terrain.

The 22-mile event in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, has taken place annually since, with only five humans managing the feat - three of which occurred in the last four years.

Mr Green's daughter, Susannah Kingdon, said she and her family are "incredibly proud of the work my father has put into the community".

The man v horse race has taken place annually - except for the Covid period - since 1980

In addition to the man v horse race, Mr Green also created the World Alternative Games in Llanwrtyd, bringing bog snorkelling and gravy wrestling to the town.

"I will never forget the time he announced at the dinner table 'I have a new event...bog snorkelling'," Ms Kingdon added.

"Being a typical teenager I was horrified, but look at it now along with all the other many events that attract worldwide competitors.

"We couldn't be more proud of being able to say you sure did put Llanwrtyd on the map.

"He changed the fortunes of an entire community, he was and will remain a legend and his legacy to us all will live on."

BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth, a friend of the family and a contestant in multiple races, described Gordon as a "legend"

BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth, a friend of the family who has also competed in the man v horse race, said Mr Green "loved being there and was at the finish line too watching everyone come in".

"A lovely man with a wonderful idea that became one of the UK's best races."

Awarding Mr Green his Point of Light Award in 2014, David Cameron said his "wonderfully bizarre" events had given Llanwrtyd an "incredible boost", attracting thousands of participants and spectators to the town.

The previous year he was handed an outstanding achievement award at the National Tourism Awards for "putting mid Wales on the tourism map".