International class runner Mark Flint headed the 206 strong field in the first of five races in the popular Motavation road running series over a four-mile switchback circuit at Charlton-on-Otmoor.

Opportunities for local runners have been few and far between in recent months due to the foot and mouth outbreak, so Bicester AC's Ian Avery welcomed the opportunity to get some much-needed race practice.

While he clearly needed the race, Avery averaged below six-mile pace as he clocked 23mins 50 secs for 51st position.

There was a battle royal between the other two Bicester runners who were both having their first competitive outings since the London Marathon when Mike Allen finished ahead of Graham Pickup.

This time, Pickup, who has been stepping up his training, reversed the placings, eventually finishing 111th with 27mins 04secs, with Mike Allen 29 seconds back in 118 place.