Wedding and Race Combine in Unique Celebration
A couple from Tynygraig, Ceredigion, have described their wedding day as "absolutely fantastic" after marrying as part of the 24-mile Man v Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, on 13 June.
Animal lovers Saffron and Nigel Griffin held their ceremony an hour before the annual event, dressed in matching tweed waistcoats and ties, white shirts, riding trousers, and boots. Immediately after exchanging vows, the newlyweds mounted their horses and set off through the Welsh countryside, ultimately beating the human competitors in the race.
"It's so us, and we wanted to do something different,"Saffron told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
Engagement and Motivation
Saffron, 54, a council housing officer, explained that the couple got engaged on her 50th birthday four years prior and had always wanted to celebrate their marriage in an unconventional way.
As fans of the Man v Horse race and its distinctive community spirit, they chose to marry at one of the UK's most eccentric sporting events, which originated from a pub bet in 1980.
"We love the race and the event and the camaraderie so we thought why not, if Man vs Horse agree, why not do something different and make a day of it our style,"she said.
Race Background and Conditions
The Man v Horse race is known for horses typically dominating the competition, though runners can gain an advantage in hot weather due to more efficient cooling.
In the event's 46-year history, humans have beaten horses only five times, with the first human victory occurring 25 years after the race began.
The jackpot for the first runner to beat the leading horse and rider increases by £500 each year it remains unclaimed and currently stands at £500 for 2026.
Wedding Day Preparations
Saffron described the busy morning leading up to the ceremony:
"We arrived, we were running a bit later because that's our style, we arrived at 08:45 and then we registered for the race. We had to unload horses and get them through vet check then set up for ceremony. Our family mucked in then to get set up ready for us and the horses ready."
After attending the race's safety briefing, the couple hurried across the field to hold their ceremony at 10:20.
The newlyweds then mounted their horses and commenced the race.
Race Experience and Reactions
Saffron, who wore a veil beneath her riding helmet, noted that their attire attracted attention and amusement during the race.
"It was really quite comical as we were going around. The whole start field knew we were getting married and there was lots of congratulations. But when we were going round not all the riders knew so they were saying 'oh you're very nicely dressed up'."
Nigel, 52, mentioned that they wore matching tweed waistcoats and ties, and that a recently revised race route made the ride more challenging and demanding.
"It was an absolutely fantastic day, a little bit rushed in morning but everyone mucked in to help us set up. But after that, it just went as we hoped it would go."
However, Saffron acknowledged the day was tiring.
"It was a little bit exhausting,"she said, adding that everyone celebrated on their behalf as they returned with "very tired horses and humans".
Future Celebrations
The couple plan to hold a belated party to celebrate their distinctive wedding.
