Sad news from Llanwrtyd Wells as we say goodbye to Gordon Green, the man who made this tiny Welsh town famous with his quirky and thrilling events. Gordon, who passed away at 90, was the mastermind behind the world-renowned Man v Horse race and the ever-curious World Bog Snorkelling Championship.
It all started back in 1980, when Gordon, then the landlord of the Neuadd Arms, overheard a lively debate about the running prowess of humans versus horses. Intrigued, he organised the first Man v Horse race, which has since grown into a global phenomenon. The race demands both two and four-legged racers to tackle rugged, mountainous terrain, leaving spectators in awe every year.
Gordon didn’t stop there. His imaginative spirit led to a series of other kooky events like bog snorkelling, stone skimming, and the unique bicycle chariot racing, drawing thousands of participants and visitors from all corners of the globe. The bog snorkelling championship, in particular, has become a bucket-list experience, with the grueling challenge of swimming through a 60-yard peat bog trench with only snorkels and flippers!
In 2013, Gordon’s efforts earned him a well-deserved outstanding achievement accolade at the National Tourism Awards. The following year, his “wonderfully bizarre” ideas garnered applause from the highest offices, with then Prime Minister David Cameron acknowledging the incredible boost his events brought to the area.
Over the weekend, the bog snorkelling championship saw teacher Neil Rutter triumphantly claim the title yet again, reminding us all of Gordon’s legacy: fun, laughter, and a splashing good time for all. Cheers to the legend, Gordon Green, for putting mid Wales on the map with a splash, a dash, and a whole lot of heart. 🐴💦