Headington Roadrunners' team manager Pat Read has stepped down, after 18 years in the role.

Read steered the first team to a run of four consecutive team championships in the Oxford Mail Cross Country League, but was relieved of his duties by the club's committee.

The decision was not one that Read wanted to take, and he said he was disappointed to be leaving the role.

He said: "I would still be doing it if the committee hadn't acted as they did.

"I would rather have ended my 18 years in the role in a different manner."

Read will still be seen on the course during the winter however.

He added: "I'm now getting on with enjoying the cross country without all the admin.

"It's not got the same buzz, nor the same success to toast, but I am having a good time just running."