The Man versus Horse Race originated in Wales from a chat over a pint in a local hotel bar in Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in Great Britain.

The first race took place in 1980 in the town. Its local success led to this one-day event occurring annually every May/June. 2004 marked the 25 th anniversary and it now includes international competitors from as far afield as Kenya and the United States.

The legend of Guto Nyth-Bran tells of his race against a horse in Cardiganshire in the early 18th century. A historical forerunner of today's event!

The event aims to attract tourists to Llanwrtyd Wells and now contributes in the region of £1 - £1.5 million to tourism locally.

The event started in 1980 with 40 runners and six horses who completed a round trip of 22 miles. A few hundred spectators supported this small, local event.

The 2004 marathon had grown to include some 300 runners, 46 horses, 80 teams of three people and several thousand spectators!

The event is organised by a small committee of five volunteers, including a Chairperson, Runners' Secretary, Horse/Rider Secretary, Treasurer and General Secretary. The committee is now formally operated as a company limited by guarantee.

Runners start first, with the horses following 15 minutes later. Horses and riders are generally members of the Endurance Horse and Pony Society. There are procedures for vetting the horses halfway through the race and the British Horse Society's long distance controls for event endurance apply.

Bulmers Cider Company has sponsored the Man versus Horse event since its second year. In addition, William Hill has been providing sponsorship for the last 15 years. Support in kind is also received.

Numerous prizes are awarded, including cash prizes of £600 each for the first runner, first rider and first relay team. All who finish the race receive a memento and free £5 bet.

Planning and organising the event includes:

• seeking permissions from landowners for use of bridleways
• sourcing barriers/structures for competitor/spectator control
• organising insurance cover
• arranging computerised scoring/results
• managing entry applications/receipt pre entry information one week prior to event
• administering payments to one source "Green Events"

The Brecon Mountain Rescue Team are always on standby, to comply with safety legislation. The Police and the Local Council are informed of the event.

Adverts in the town's 'What's On' guide recruit marshals (about 35 this year). For their help, they receive 'goody bags' provided by William Hill, which include a t-shirt and a free £5 bet.

Marshals are briefed at 6am on the day of the event and play an important role in ensuring the safety of both competitors and spectators during the event.

Competitors are 'checked out' at control points and issued with safety discs to log their return.

Government legislation and event liability insurance will have an impact on future events. Obtaining cover is becoming more difficult and legislative requirements more stringent.

Key Points:

• Responsibility rests with the event organiser/s
• Forming a limited company is not always the answer
• Check insurance availability before starting to organise event, especially where activities and alcohol are involved
• It is your responsibility to check that Event Liability Insurance cover meets legislative developments
• Tell the town what is going on by advertising in the local "What's on"
• Keep the committee small and designate one person to organise PR
• Importance of Check Lists for: Event Timetable, Directions/Maps
• List responsibilities and contact names/addresses and keep records
• Designing Entry Forms: include Rules/Conditions and Disclaimers
• Additional activities - sponsored competitors' party on night before

Useful Links:

www.green-events.co.uk
www.williamhill.co.uk