A runner has taken on one of the UK’s most unusual races.
James Ashforth of Axe Valley Runners competed in the Man vs Horse event in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, finishing the 22.5-mile race in under five hours.
The challenge, famed for pitting humans against horses over rough terrain, began in 1980 after a pub debate and has since become a fixture of the UK’s endurance racing calendar.
Mr Ashforth completed the demanding course—which featured nearly 4,000 feet of elevation—in 4 hours 52 minutes and 7 seconds, earning 241st place out of 407 runners.
He also managed to cross the line ahead of 12 of the 49 horses taking part.
Closer to home, Devon dominated the annual Devon v Cornwall race at Torbay Velopark, organised by City Runs as part of the Fast 5000.
Karen Eyre represented the Devon F50 team after a string of strong performances and finished the course in 21 minutes and 26 seconds.
Devon claimed victory in all categories except senior women and M60 men, which went to Cornwall.
Other Axe Valley Runners taking part included Tony Smith, who finished in 19 minutes and 6 seconds, and Sam Miller in 26 minutes and 19 seconds.
Meanwhile, four club members headed to Ilminster for the Neroshe 10k.
Eleanor Wood took first place in the F65 category with a time of 50 minutes and 39 seconds, while Ron Seward won the M70 category in 52 minutes and 21 seconds.
Matt Frost was the sole AVR competitor at the latest Yeovilton 5k Summer Series, securing a personal best of 17 minutes and 11 seconds.
In Norway, Innes Fitzgerald opened her outdoor season at the Bislett Games.
She finished ninth in a highly competitive 3,000m race at the Diamond League event, clocking 8 minutes and 33.37 seconds.
The race was won by Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu in 8 minutes and 24.22 seconds.
Ms Fitzgerald is set to compete in the 5,000m alongside Jake Smith at the upcoming British Championships in Birmingham.
