Steve Naylor set a course record in winning round four of the Mota-Vation Series at Chipping Norton.

The 33-year-old, from Woodstock, clocked 20mins 53secs for the 4.25-mile course to surpass the mark of 20.53 set by former Witney Road Runner Mathew Ashton in 2010.

Running for first-claim club Bedford & County, Naylor, who has now been unbeaten for two years, was pushed all the way in the wet conditions by Oxford University and Highgate’s David Bruce, who crossed the line in 20.55.

Naylor now holds four of the five Mota-Vation course rec-ords, with just Combe evading his grasp for now.

He said: “With the four-mile marker rapidly approaching, I was running out of time to make any sort of move so decided to make it on the only hill of the course.

“Bruce was still driving hard going up the hill, but I stole a few metres as we came over the crest and rounded the final bend to set up the sprint finish.”

Naylor will not be able to defend his title as he will not be competing in both the final two rounds as required.

Oxford City’s Darrell Bell-inger, who finished third in 21.33, looks the most likely to succeed Naylor after again defeating Woodstock Harriers’ James Bolton, who was fourth in 21.59.

Woodstock’s Sophie Carter is now virtually guaranteed the ladies’ title after collecting her third win in three races.

Carter clocked 24.43 to finish ahead of Radley’s Gemma Bridge, who was the first under 19 lady home in 25.19.

Abingdon Amblers duo Paul Fernandez and Les Newell came seventh and eighth respectively in 22.43 and 22.44.

White Horse Harriers’ Jonny Cornish was the first under 19 man, finishing ninth in 22.46.

Eynsham Road Runner Kate Williamson, 66, took the vet 55 honours in 30.50, with Alchester’s Samantha Usher (26.55) the second vet 35 lady home.

RESULTS CHECK 1 S Naylor (Bedford & County) 20.53, 2 D Bruce (Highgate Harriers) 20.55, 3 D Bellinger (Oxford City) 21.33, 4 J Bolton (Woodstock H) 21.59, 19 D Swann (Witney RR) 24.16, 20 D Cantwell (V40, Woodstock H) 24.19, 22 G Petts (Witney RR) 24.28, 27 S Carter (Woodstock H) 24.43, 32 R Linnell (Woodstock H) 25.07, 34 S Cruikshank (Woodstock H) 25.11, 43 G Bridges (Eynsham) 26.07, 47 C Ellis (Witney RR) 26.15, 50 N Dalton (Witney RR) 26.42.