In June 2022, Kim Alman and Invictus completed the 25.2 mile cross-country endurance race Man vs Horse, a unique event in which runners compete against riders in the hills of Mid Wales, crossing the finish line as the first horse and rider and second to the overall winner (a runner).
Invictus was bred by Karen and Peter Addiss, and following the loss of her own horse after entering the Covid-cancelled event in 2020, Kim put out a call on social media for a replacement horse to compete on in 2022. A breeder, owner and trainer of racing Standardbreds herself, Kim’s only stipulation was that the horse she competed on was a Standardbred – famed for their stamina, sure-footedness and durability.
In a video on Youtube (which can be viewed here: Man v Horse 2022, the horse view start to finish – YouTube), the third-placed competitor can be seen catching up with Kim and Invictus in the latter stages of the race, before overtaking them and then being pipped at the line by Kim and her trusty Standardbred.
Invictus did not have a history of endurance competition, he was obtained with the sole aim of competing in the event and was trained accordingly in the months leading up to it. Kim’s hard work paid off and although on this occasion a runner won the event, Kim and Invictus flew the flag for Standardbreds by finishing first in their category and second overall!
