ELIZABETH Kendon has been confirmed as the winner of the women's race at this year's Grizzly.

Kendon, who lives in Exeter, thought she was the winner having been told by spectators around the 20-mile course in East Devon that she was first woman and then congratulated at the finish by the organising team.

But Kendon, who competes for the Met Office Running Club, was surprised to read later in the evening on the race's official website that Pat Foley, of Portishead Running Club, had beaten her by 38 seconds.

Foley was indeed delighted to finish 40th overall of 1,491 finishers but was probably as equally bemused at being described as a woman when in fact he is a grizzled veteran.

"All around the course I was told I was first woman and then at the finish line (in Seaton) the president of Axe Valley Runners came up to congratulate me," said Kendon.

"But later I saw the results on the website and saw I was down as second woman so thought maybe a mistake had been made. It was all quite amusing really."

There was certainly no mistaking the quality of Kendon's victory at her third attempt in the legendary event, rated as one of the top races in Britain.

"On my debut I finished around sixth and then last year I was runner-up, so to win the race was a personal ambition of mine and one that I wondered whether I would ever achieve," added Kendon.

"I was very pleased to win. It is a fabulous event and the atmosphere is great.

"This year the good weather also helped and while I was slower than last year I think the course was harder."

Kendon will now switch her focus to the Paris marathon on April 11, when she will be looking to break three hours for the first time.

John McFarlane had already tasted victory in the Grizzly and he successfully defended his title to indicate that his preparations for the Virgin London Marathon next month are going well.

"I enjoyed the race and it wasn't a bad run on what was a lovely day for running," said McFarlane, who works as a doctor at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in Exeter.

"It is just a shame that the race doesn't attract more competition as it is a great event."

The 20-year-old from Heavitree showed she can cope with the demands of international competition when she produced four personal bests in an under-23 combined events match in Bompas, near Perpignan, France.

That ensured Drew, a student at Exeter University, finished fourth overall to help Britain win the team event against teams from Spain and the host country. "It was brilliant and I loved it," said Drew.

"It was so exciting to get all the GB kit but when I stood on the start line for the first time with my British vest on I felt so nervous.

"But in a way I think that helped me produce my personal bests and I was really pleased with the competition."

Drew opened up in superb fashion with a personal best of 8.77 seconds in the 60m hurdles, giving her second place.

She followed that with another best in the high jump, clearing 1.72m to add a centimetre to her best.

She also ended with another best of 2: 32.00 in the 800m for a total points score of 3,565, which was 200 points more than she had scored before.

"To win the team event as well was great.

"In fact, Britain won every age group so it was an excellent weekend.

"Now I'm really looking forward to the outdoor season because I'd love to represent Britain again. I have had the taste for it now."

In here first marathon of 2010, the Honiton Running Club member covered the tough course in 3:06.20 to finish virtually 14 minutes clear of Diane Roy in a field of 201 finishers.

In the 20-mile race, run alongside the marathon, Okehampton Running Club's Andrew Vallance finished sixth, just ahead of clubmate Roger Voaden, who won the over-40s prize.