On October 18, 2025, runners and horse riders will once again face off in a grueling 23-mile Man V Horse endurance race through the breathtaking and rugged terrain of Somerset’s Quantock Hills. This iconic race covers forest trails, open moorland, and steep climbs and descents, pushing competitors to their limits as they navigate some of the highest and most remote points of the Quantocks.
The race last took place in England in October 2023, drawing 28 horse riders and 46 runners from across the UK, including the Lake District, Cornwall, and Wales. That year’s event ended in an extraordinary dead heat, a first in the history of the race. The winners were Glenda Smith, 54, riding her 17-year-old Arab gelding Boysey from Cornwall, and Robin Fieldhouse, 29, a runner from Bristol. Both completed the course in a remarkable 3 hours and 11 minutes. Other competitors crossed the finish line within the 6-hour cutoff time, some 2 hours and 44 minutes later.
Glenda described the experience as “a challenging race with a great atmosphere,” underscoring the event’s spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.
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Since its inception in 1980 in Wales, the Man V Horse endurance race has seen just four human winners, with horses finishing first on all other occasions. The 2023 Quantock Hills race was the first to conclude with a draw between man and horse.
This year, proceeds from Man V Horse England 2025 will benefit the Pegasus Project. This initiative collaborates with the charity Turning Point to provide Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy to children and young people recovering from psychological trauma.
Philip King, one of the race organisers and Director/Principal Therapist of the Pegasus Project, explains, “Our vision has always been to create an event that combines friendly competition, compassion, and community. We are a small but welcoming group dedicated to improving mental health, and this race perfectly embodies those values.”
Entries are now open for the 2025 race. Those interested in participating, volunteering, or spectating can join and find more information on the Man V Horse (England) – Quantock Hills Facebook group.