Wacky racers (From Hereford Times)

Wacky racers

3:00pm Thursday 4th December 2008

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A CYCLIST has proved that two legs are better than four in an extreme race near Kington.

Karl Morgan used pedal power to defeat more than 20 runners in the first Huntington Challenge.

The event saw 25 contestants endure a seven-mile course between the village and Gladestry.

Runners, horse riders and cyclists all competed in the gruelling trek.

Local resident, Peter Kelly, organised the unique battle, which raised more than £400 for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

“I wanted to create something competitive for the young people in the village and see if man could beat horse over one of the most demanding courses in Herefordshire,” he said.

The route included muddy bridleways, Hergest Ridge and steep country lanes, and followed part of the Offa’s Dyke path.

Contestants dressed up as Batman and Braveheart figures in the bizarre competition, which could become an annual event.

Karl, a lifelong Huntington resident, narrowly beat Harriet Jones and her horse, Omagh, to the finishing line, and could defend his title if the race returns next year.

“There was no way I was going to be beaten by a horse, but it was close, as Harriet and Omagh put up a great fight,” he said.

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