Man v Horse race has 'special place in heart' of BBC's Sophie Raworth

Broadcaster Sophie Raworth doesn't shy away from a physical challenge.

After taking up running in her forties, the BBC News at Six presenter has completed some of the most gruelling races in the world.

But Man v Horse, held every year in Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, will always have a very special place in her heart after she won her only trophy for running.

"It's the most wonderful race, I love that race. I've done it four times now. I've beaten a few horses, but I've never beaten them all," Raworth told BBC Radio Wales.

The 22-mile event began in 1980 after a pub chat discussing whether man or horse was faster crossing mountainous terrain. It took 25 years before man finally beat all the horses.

This year's race on 13 June will be the 45th Man v Horse. The exact distance changes every year, but it's approximately 22 miles (35km).

Raworth first took part eight years ago and said it was the "funniest race".

"I love it because you set off from outside the Neuadd Arms, and the runners go first, and there are about 1,000 runners who do it now. Then fifteen minutes later the horses and riders.

"There's nothing flat, it's up and down. You hear the horses coming, because you'll hear shouts of 'horse! horse!' and you know you have to get back, because the horses just fly past," she said.

Raworth came second in 2018 in the over-45s category, beating more than 20 horses.

"You feel very pleased.

"I felt very smug when I beat some horses," she said.

Raworth said she was passionate about the benefits of running.

"I feel so empowered by it, especially as a woman in my late fifties. It helps me mentally and physically.

"I hope it will help me going into old age and I can keep running as long as I possibly can," she added.

Raworth will be returning to Powys this summer to take part in the Hay Festival to discuss her book "Running on Air".

The broadcaster said that becoming a published author was a dream come true.

"I do read a lot. I've judged book prizes and I've always got a book in my bag. I read on the Tube to work and home. So it's really special," she said.

"I never thought I'd write a book but I love going to book festivals and I love chatting to people about different books, so it's been a real joy to do."