Woodstock Harrier Steve Naylor was crowned Mota-vation Series champion following his fourth-round triumph at Bletchingdon.

And he did it in style, lifting the title with one event to go in a time of 21mins 32secs, ahead of Oxford City’s Darrell Bellinger (22.33).

Abingdon Amblers’ Daniel Hamilton (22.38) was third.

The race was going to be staged at Chipping Norton, but due to roadworks, was held at a specially-extended Bletchingdon course.

Naylor warmed up for the event with the Iffley Road Mile Meeting the previous day where he recorded 4mins 22.20 secs.

“Having raced in the mile dash, I knew that I wouldn’t be as sharp at the Mota-vation,” said Naylor.

“But since we had already been there this season, I was more concerned with position than time as a top-three finish would earn me the series.

“Apart from the extra 50 yards at the finish, the race went the same way as in round two and I attacked from the start, aided by a tail wind.

“With the four-mile marker on the edge of the village, I turned for home with a lead of around 40 seconds and enjoyed the great support.”

Meanwhile, Woodstock’s Sophie Carter now needs to finish in the top two at the final race at Oxford on September 1 to seal the ladies’ title after triumphing at Bletchingdon.

She led from start to finish to win in 25.22, ahead of Headington’s Jude Craft (25.34), and teammate Jess Webb (25.49) in third.

Oxford City’s Steve Male retained the vet 40 title after picking up his fourth win in four races, as did clubmate Roy Teadwell in the vet 60 category.

Craft landed the ladies’ vet 35 crown thanks to her 100 per cent record, as did Witney Roadrunner Nicola Gomm (LV45) and Eynsham’s Kate Williamson (LV55).

Oxford City maintained their dominance in the men’s team standings, with eight runners finishing in the top 20.

They are all but guaranteed to regain the title in the final round at Oxford.

Headington Roadrunners are a good bet to win back the ladies’ team crown they lost to Alchester last year.

TOP 20

(senior men unless stated)

1 S Naylor (Woodstock) 21.32, 2 D Bellenger (Oxford City) 22.33, 3 D Hamilton (Abingdon) 22.38, 4 S Male (Oxford City, V40), 22.41, 5 P Fernandez (Abingdon) 22.53, 6 O Ellis (Abingdon) 23.00, 7 J Bolton (Woodstock) 23.01, 8 T Wright (Banbury) 23.05, 9 J Richardson (Oxford City, V40) 23.26, 10 P Gregory (Aylesbury, V50) 23.31, 11 A Burgess (Oxford City) 23.40, 12 G Harris (Headington) 23.42, 13 M Ineson (Woodstock) 23.42, 14 M Maxwell (Oxford City) 23.49, 15 R Storey (Eynsham, V40) 23.54, 16 J Atyeo (Oxford City, V40) 23.57, 17 B Green (Oxford City, V50) 24.17, 18 R Gould (Alchester) 24.26, 19 A Byerley (Thame, V40) 24.30, 20 E Mezzetti (Oxford City) 24.31.