European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey entertained guests at Exeter Chamber of Commerce's annual business dinner.
As well as sharing anecdotes from her athletics career and family life, she spoke of her pride in representing Devon.
More than 320 people attended the event at Sandy Park.
Derek Phillips, vice president of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said: "It was a great occasion to celebrate the 10th Exeter Chamber business dinner and especially apt to have a local celebrity, Jo Pavey, as the principal guest."
In her after-dinner speech, the down-to-earth gold medallist said: "I always feel so proud to be representing Exeter and the people of Devon when I'm out there on the track, and I'm so grateful for all the support I get from the people of Devon."
Exeter Harrier Jo, who was born in Honiton, won gold in the 10,000m at the European Championships in Zurich, just 10 months after giving birth to her second child.
In the process she became the oldest female European champion in history at the age of 40 years and 325 days.
Jo explained that her most successful spell as an athlete has come since having children and swapping travelling to training camps around the world for doing all her training in Devon, often combining runs with family outings.
She added that she plans to continue running and hopes to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
Chamber chairman Sara Bond urged Exeter businesses to capitalise on next year's Rugby World Cup, saying: "This is our once in a lifetime opportunity to put on a show and present ourselves at our very best."
On the night, each guest had the chance to nominate a charity of their choice to be entered into a draw with the winning charity receiving £500, courtesy of Ashfords.
The winning charity, nominated by Mark Watson of the Express & Echo, was Force Cancer Charity. Mark also won a bottle of champagne and two return flights with Flybe from Exeter Airport to London City.
