HEINEKEN'S Race to the Tower witnessed their first ever female winner, despite taking the wrong turn close to finish.

Mary Menon, from Exford, Somerset is the first female winner in the history of the trail series, however she almost missed out on the accolade but for incredible sportsmanship.

Close to the finish line, Mary took a wrong turn dropping her back into second place.

Recognising that she had taken a wrong turn, Greg Price, from Cheltenham, waited for her to return before insisting that she cross the line first in the sure knowledge that she would have been the winner if she hadn't taken the wrong route.

Mary won race, 53 miles long, in a time of 8:46:52, one second ahead of second placed Greg.

Nick Tuppen, CEO, Threshold Sports, which organises HEINEKEN Race to the Tower said: “Congratulations to Mary and Greg!

"It’s incredible to witness the first female winner in the history of our Trail Series. "Moments of selfless generosity like these truly define the sporting world and we are honoured to say we are a part of it!”

More than 1,000 people walked, jogged or ran the 53 mile route along the Cotswold Way across two days on June 9 and June 10.

Starting off in Stroud, runners will followed a stunning route through villages including Winchcombe and Painswick before reaching the finish line at the Broadway Tower in Worcestershire.

The event is fully supported with a signed route, regular pit stops, medical support and a base camp with hot showers, delicious food, massages and entertainment.