SEPTEMBER 06, 2025
Kolano / Kashubia
ABOUT THE RACE
The Human vs Horse Challenge, held for the first time in many years in Poland, is an exciting outdoor sports competition where participants – runners and horse riders – compete to be the first to complete a designated route.
Inspired by the prestigious Man vs. Horse races held in England, Scotland, New Zealand, and Arizona, these competitions combine human physical endurance with the speed and strength of the horse, presenting participants with a unique challenge.
The competition takes place in picturesque but demanding conditions,
and its purpose is to test whether human nature can match
animal nature
in mountainous
and obstacle-filled terrain.
#1 The beginning of the Man vs. Horse race in Kashubia
It all began many years ago in the picturesque hills of Kashubia, where forests rustle with ancient tales and lakes hide the secrets of time. One evening, in a small inn on Lake Ostrzyckie, a group of locals were feasting at the table, drinking beer and telling stories. Among them were Jurek, a young runner known for his speed, and Bartek, a proud rider whose mare Czarna was the fastest in the entire area.
As the evening wore on and the fire crackled in the fireplace, a heated discussion ensued: “Who is really faster – a man or a horse?” The bet was made. Jurek claimed that no horse, not even Czarna, could beat him. Bartek laughed and replied: *“Even the Stolems, those mythical giants of Kashubia, knew the power of horses and knew that no one could outdo them.
What did the players of the first edition of Human vs Horse say?
Adam Olszta, winner of the Stolem Cup main prize, endurance rider "I won this race, but I don't feel 'better.' Sitting in the saddle, I feel the strength of my horse, its rhythm, its breathing. But when I passed the runners, including women, who, with nothing but determination and their own legs, were conquering the same hills, mud, and descents, I felt immense respect. It was a shared struggle with the course, with their own weaknesses, with nature. I'll never forget the moment I rode alongside one of the runners for several hundred meters. Neither of us spoke, but we felt we were going together—in the same direction, with the same passion. Today I stood on the podium, but each of you who reached the finish line under your own power is a winner to me. Because nothing is impossible!"
Sylwia Kleisa, first woman across the finish line, member of the Leśna Runda group "From my perspective, the race was a great success and interesting. The Kashubian landscape is beautiful and challenging – there were many uphill sections, which was a big plus for me. The event itself had a cozy, unique atmosphere. I'm glad I could take part in such a new event in Kashubia. There were some minor hiccups, but I believe the organizers will learn from this and next year will be even better. Thank you in advance for a wonderful time."
Aleksandra Derda-Kupper, actress, stage host "Participating in this year's Human vs Horse race was an incredible pleasure and another challenge for me. I decided to run in the "Gryfne Kaszubiaki" relay with Mateusz, Bartłomiej, and Hongji. I highly recommend this form of running during the competition to anyone who hasn't yet started running a half marathon and wants to test themselves in challenging terrain. The route led through the charming Kashubian Switzerland region, with significant climbs, including to the highest peak in the Polish Lowlands – Wieżyca Peak – a run through forest mud, a ravine, and other attractions for the runner. But all the physical effort was rewarded by the beautiful, incredible, idyllic views. Congratulations to the organizers: the Kashubian Kuczers and Horse Breeders Association, and especially to Kasia and Jarek, who, with their warmth and enormous commitment, made this running and equestrian celebration a wonderful event. It's also great that a race map is available a few days before the start, so you can check out the entire route, for example, while taking a pleasant bike ride. I highly recommend it to everyone."
Agnieszka Markiewicz, ultra runner and this year's participant of the UTMB® CCC – 101 km Around Mont Blanc "Saturday in Kashubia was unlike any other – adrenaline mixed with curiosity, because for the first time we stood at the start of the Human vs. Horse competition. Runners shoulder to shoulder with riders on horses – something that until recently seemed only a story from distant places became a fact here, among the Kashubian forests and fields. When we set off, I felt like I was part of something completely new. The route, although demanding, brought additional excitement – the knowledge that I wasn't just racing against other runners, but also against horses, animals bred for speed and endurance. The first thunder of hooves that I heard behind me sent a thrill. There was also a feeling of respect, admiration, and excitement. The riders were also careful of the runners they passed. We cheered each other on, although It was only a brief moment. The atmosphere along the route was exceptional; I relished my first visit to Kashubia. This event had an element of fun, experimentation, but also a tremendous sporting spirit. At the finish line, it no longer mattered so much who was faster – man or horse. The most important thing was that we created something new together, that we broke patterns and were able to feel one with nature. For me, this experience will remain in my memory as a race in which I not only tested my abilities, but also experienced an extraordinary adventure in which man and animal shared the same route and the same desire to move forward."
ROUTE
In the first edition in 2025, the race was 21 km long, running along the peaks of the Kashubian hills, along forest and field roads, through meadows, in very hilly terrain, and the culminating point was the ascent to the highest peak in the lake district and the entire Polish Lowland - the peak of Wieżyca (328.7 m above sea level), the elevation gain along the route was +/- 330 m.
The 2nd Edition is an even longer distance in the Main Cup (approx. 30 km )
and an additional shorter distance ( approx. 10 km ).
There's a "Challenge"; each competitor must be fit and properly prepared. This applies equally to both the human and the horse.
The start and finish line are located at the Kolano Stud Farm.
CLASSIFICATIONS
STOLEM'S CUP
The most important distinction of the race, here the winner is the one who reaches the finish line first (horse or human)
ALL CATEGORIES
Main distance (approx. 30 km)
Open - main ranking, main prize and Stolem Cup for 1st place + statuettes for 2nd and 3rd place
Open WOMEN, statuettes for the first 3 places
Open MEN, statuettes for the first 3 places
Open HORSES, statuettes for the first 3 places
Relays vs. horses, statuettes for the first 3 places (relays outside the main ranking)
Additional distance (approx. 10 km)
Open - main ranking, Mini Stolem Cup + statuettes for 2nd and 3rd place
Open WOMEN, statuettes for the first 3 places
Open MEN, statuettes for the first 3 places
Open HORSES, statuettes for the first 3 places
Classification conditions for horse riders:
Over a longer distance: each horse must undergo a mandatory veterinary inspection halfway through the route and after crossing the finish line.
For shorter distances: veterinary inspection takes place only after crossing the finish line.
The competitor has a maximum of 20 minutes from the moment of arrival at the control point to register the horse for examination.
For a horse to be allowed to continue (or be considered finished), its heart rate must not exceed 64 beats per minute.
Failure to meet these conditions will result in disqualification of the competitor and horse.
The control time (from the moment of arrival at the checkpoint - until the end of the control) is added to the total time of the competitor's ride on horseback.
SCHEDULE
PLAYER REGISTRATION
01.03 - 30.08.2025
COMPETITION
06.09.2025
2025 Edition
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Human vs Horse is a unique website dedicated to races where humans compete against horses. Discover the history, science, fun facts, and events behind one of the most extraordinary endurance challenges in the world.