ATHLETICS: Steve Naylor storms to Combe double in Motavation Series

Naylor, running for Bedford & County, beat Border Harriers’ Harry Earl by seven seconds as he crossed the line in 22 minutes.

The 36-year-old made it a Combe double, after winning the last round at the Oxfordshire village on July 2.

Woodstock’s James Bolton, who finished third and first Vet 40, led for the first mile, before Naylor and Earl pulled away on the hill.

Paul Fernandez, of Abingdon AC, and Witney Road Runners’ Tegid Jones were fourth and fifth respectively.

Headington’s Andy Phelps, Vale of Aylesbury’s Paul Gregory and Alchester’s Nigel Lambert were the Vet 50, 60 and 70 winners.

Melissa Hawtin, of Oxford City AC, competing in her first race of the series, was 18th overall and the first woman to cross the line in 24.34.

She beat Woodstock’s Sophie Carter (Vet 35), running for Belgrave Harriers, by nearly a quarter of a minute.

Helene Greenwood (Kidlington) and Allison Hirst (unattached) won the Under 19s and Vet 45 categories.

Gwyneth Hueter, of Oxford City, and Eynsham’s Kate Williamson were the first Vet 55 and 65 runners.

In the team event, Oxford City lead the men’s standings and Headington top the women’s ahead of the last round at Marston Ferry Road on September 3.

RESULTS (senior men unless stated)

MOTAVATION SERIES RACE 4 – COMBE (Oxon runners in top 30)

1 S Naylor (Bed) 22.00, 3 J Bolton (Wds, V40) 22.44, 4 P Fernandez (Abn, V40) 22.53, 5 T Jones (Wit) 23.00, 6 T Wright (Ban) 23.08, 7 S Fisher (Oxf) 23.20, 8 G Harris (Hed, V40) 23.35, 9 P Jegou (Whh, V40) 23.47, 12 A Vessey (Abn) 24.20, 13 W Gardner (Una) 24.22, 14 B O’Connor (Wds, V40) 24.24, 16 A Stickley (Alc) 24.28, 17 F Campbell (Hed, V40) 24.29, 18 M Hawtin (Oxf, SL) 24.34, 20 S Carter (Wds, VL35) 24.48, 21 J Atyeo (Oxf, V40) 24.49, 22 H Sleight (Che) 24.52, 25 D Moore (Hed, VL35) 25.12, 26 D Cantwell (Wds, V40) 25.13, 27 J Bagnall (Alc) 25.17, 28 A Phelps (Hed, V50) 25.27, 29 R Skilbeck (Hed, V40) 25.29, 30 D Warburton (Eyn) 25.39.