After rewriting the history books as the first ever female winner of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, Lizzie Broughton declared simply: “It was tough.”

The Richmond Canoe Club member paddled the non-stop 125-mile route – known as the “canoeists’ Everest” – with mixed doubles partner Keith Moule of Chelmsford CC in 16 hours 40 minutes.

The pair are the first mixed doubles team to win the race in its 67-year history.

Their time saw off the challenge of 170 other crews, with their nearest rivals coming ashore at County Hall in 18.00:12.

Richmond’s Mike Webb and Rob Stainsby came home in sixth, clocking 19.02:52.

Broughton said: “The race was tough, but we could ignore the aches and pains as the boat was running really well and we knew we were in the lead.

“We also had incredible support and encouragement all along the course from our support crew, other paddlers and people who had just turned up to see us.”

Moule added: “Our preparations have been first rate.

“Our priority was to build up a buffer over the next crews just in case we had any problems or equipment failures.”

Richmond had further reason for cheer, as Tom Sharpe won the senior singles race.

Meanwhile Teddington-based Royal Canoe Club’s Emily Dresser, with partner Alison Martin, were the first female crew in the junior doubles.