Merlon the horse and his rider Georgina Silk outran the fastest man by 11 minutes at this year’s Man v Horse marathon.

The iconic trail race which pits runners against horses and their riders across the Mid Wales countryside took place on Saturday, June 8, from Llanwrtyd Wells, near Builth Wells.

The first four places went to horses with Peter Taylor-Bray, the first male runner, crossing the line in two hours 48 minutes and 22 seconds.

This year marked 20 years since Huw Lobb won £25,000 after becoming the first person to beat the fastest horse and rider in the event’s 25-year history.

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Horses galloping through Llanwrtyd Wells for the Man v Horse 2024.Horses galloping through Llanwrtyd Wells for the Man v Horse 2024. (Image: David Lloyd Jones)

Fifty-two horses took part in this year's Man v Horse race.Fifty-two horses and riders entered this year's Man v Horse race. (Image: David Lloyd Jones)

Merlon the horse and his rider Georgina Silk were first to cross the line after completing the 24-mile race in two hours, 37 minutes and 45 seconds.Merlon the horse and his rider Georgina Silk were first to cross the line after completing the 24-mile race in two hours, 37 minutes and 45 seconds. (Image: Martin Pigott)

Fastest man Peter Taylor-Bray completed the Man v Horse marathon in two hours 48 minutes and 22 seconds.Fastest man Peter Taylor-Bray completed the Man v Horse marathon in two hours 48 minutes and 22 seconds. (Image: David Lloyd Jones)

The first woman to cross the line was Sam Avery in three hours, 36 minutes, and 18 seconds.The first woman to cross the line was Sam Avery in three hours, 36 minutes, and 18 seconds. (Image: Martin Pigott)

Britain's most decorated Olympian Sir Jason Kenny completed Man v Horse as part of a relay team with fellow Olympians.Britain's most decorated Olympian Sir Jason Kenny completed Man v Horse as part of a relay team with fellow Olympians. (Image: David Lloyd Jones)

Organisers Green Events said Saturday’s version was 24 miles long, “but for once, the weather favoured both runners and horses”.

“The last two years have seen male runners beat the horse, but with cooler conditions today, the race favoured the horse riders," they added.

The first woman to cross the line was Sam Avery in three hours, 36 minutes, and 18 seconds.

Out of the 727 people who entered the race, 693 received a medal including Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Jason Kenny.

Watch Olympian Heather Fisher's Man v Horse race:

The cyclist ran Man v Horse as part of the Team Crunchy relay team with fellow Olympians Heather Fisher and Sam Cross who represented Great Britain in rugby. The trio completed the race in four hours, 21 minutes and two seconds.

Heather described the race as a "cool experience" with her 42,000 followers on Instagram.

“I had the best time," she said. "I can’t thank everyone enough who got me involved. Not sure how my legs will be feeling tomorrow but it’s worth it. I think…

“Made tonnes of friends along the run (I did nearly nine miles). Really enjoyed our chats and sharing the experience. Sign me up for next year.”