A badley parked car may have cost runner Simon Nott the course record for the Bishops Cannings 5,000-metre dash on Saturday.

Mr Nott, 20, of Calne Running Club, won the race held as part of the village’s church fete, in 18mins 22seconds – but the offending obstacle near the start and finish of the race meant six or seven yards were added to the course distance.

Race organiser Francis Goddard said: “Simon Nott’s recorded time was one second off the record of 18.21 set by Alasdair McClean-Foreman back in 2005.

“While it was suggested that an inquiry might be held to determine if the two runners should be ruled joint record holders, Simon has said that he will challenge for it again next year.”

It was the fifth time Mr Nott has won the race and last year it was felt he would have taken the record if cows had not strayed onto the course.

Women’s winner Catherine Russ was on familiar territory as she won the girls’ race for six years running, from 2001 to 2006, and is a former pupil of Bishops Cannings Primary School.

The only confirmed record came in the 50-plus category, when Gary Hughes did the course in 21mins 32seconds to beat the 21mins 37seconds set by Derek Stevens in 2010.

A total of 55 runners of all ages took part in the 32nd running, in warm sun but not the high temperatures that made going tough last year.

Fete-goers also enjoyed stalls and sideshows, which raised £1,850 for St Mary the Virgin Church.

Churchwarden Rob Smith said: “Lots of people turned out and we made a good sum in just over two hours.”