Oxford City veteran Steve Male was crowned Oxfordshire marathon champion after an impressive debut over the distance on Sunday.

Male finished fifth in the open race, clocking 2hrs 38mins 21secs, and this was more than enough to land both the overall and veteran men’s county titles.

There was a marked absence of Oxfordshire athletes in the biggest event of the year in the county, despite the race doubling up as the county championship.

In fact, of the first 100 runners to finish, just nine were from Oxfordshire clubs, of which five came from Woodstock Harriers.

The Oxfordshire senior men’s title went to Johnny Lonnroth, who finished 16th overall in 2.45.19.

In near-perfect conditions for marathon running, New Zealander Paul Martelletti romped to victory in the open race.

Representing Team Sub Three, Martelletti crossed the line in 2.28.37.

Such was his dominance, he finished more than seven minutes clear of the second-placed runner, Nathan Aspinall of Aldershot, Farnham & District.

Headington Roadrunner Richard Skilbeck finished 20th in a battle royale with Woodstock Harriers’ duo Brian O’Connor and James Bolton.

Skilbeck showed incredible stamina in the final three miles to clock 2.46.09, with O’Connor finishing 26th in 2.48.34 and Bolton 32nd in 2.49.26.

The performance of O’Connor and Bolton helped Woodstock to the Oxfordshire senior men’s prize, and the club also secured the veteran men’s trophy.

In the women’s race, Samantha Amend (Handy Cross) successfully defended her title as she won in 2.45.38.

Alchester’s Liz Grolimund was the first Oxfordshire runner home to land the senior and overall women’s county titles in 3.13.14.

Sandra Wolanski, of Headington, also had a creditable run to register 3.20.19 – landing the vet 45 Oxfordshire crown.

She just pipped teammate Sarah Farrow, who stopped the clock at 3.21.39.

Woodstock Harrier Kerry Steele won the vet 35 ladies’ county title, clocking 3.24.33.