More than 2,000 of the UK's hardest athletes will be put through their paces at the Grizzly race's gruelling multi-terrain showdown, which will test runners' resolve with 20 miles of beaches, bogs and cliffs.

A free Fyffes banana will boost competitors in the Devon contest at the start of the course.

And according to race chiefs, the fruit is vital to the athletes' chances of winning – or even completing – the hellish Axe Valley challenge.

Grizzly committee chairman Paul Morgan said: 'Every year we are inundated with entries from all over the world, but the race is more taxing than cross-country. The runners need to be in prime condition with nearly all the course being off-road.

'Fyffes donation of a banana for each runner will be a much welcomed energy boost.'

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