THE weather was a lot kinder for the 82nd running of Barry Island parkrun.

Thankfully no repeat of the high winds and heavy rain that drenched the runners last week.

This week 102 runners made their way around the measured 5km course and, as usual were cheered all around the route and over the finish line by the 19 volunteers that gave up their time to ensure this event can take place safely.

When you register with parkrun you are given a unique barcode to present at the finish in order to be included in the results. This is a vital part of the results processing procedure.

The first finisher this week did not have a barcode and as a result is unknown.

Matthew Ryan was second across the line in a time of 19:37 with Edward Matthews hot on his heels in 19:42.

For the ladies, Rachel Eales of Hyde Park Harriers was first to complete the 5km course in a time of 21:14, eighth position overall.

Elin Carys Morgan of Cardiff University AC was a close second in 21.20 and third place went to White Rock runner Leanne Hockey in a time of 24:13.

Almost a third of the 102 finishers managed a new personal best time this week, helped by the good running conditions.

Amongst them is Gary Gould of Seriously Mad Runners, who’s knocked nearly five minutes of his time in only 16 runs, a great achievement and shows what hard work can do.

Parkrun tourism is a popular pastime with regular parkrunners and just involves visiting other parkruns.

This week there were visitors from Brighton, Hyde Park Harriers in Leeds and Aberdare, as well as the regular visitors from Penarth, Bridgend and Cardiff.

Parkrun rewards runners when they reach milestones of 50, 100, 250 and 500 runs with commemorative t-shirts and this week saw milestone runs for juniors Oliver and Rhys McNabb as they completed their 50th parkrun, a fantastic achievement as they are both under 11-years-old.

Rhys reached 49 runs in the summer and has waited until his younger brother caught up to him so they could both do their 50th run together.

With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, parkrun will be doing its bit to spread some festive cheer.

As Christmas Eve is on a Saturday this year, there will be a themed parkrun taking place.

The usual 5km run will take place as normal. Volunteers and runners will be welcome to wear something Christmassy for the event.

There is also a regular Saturday run on New Year’s Eve and an extra run on New Year’s Day.

The New Year’s Day run is at the later time of 10.30am to give runners the chance to run and still take part in the annual New Year’s Day Swim at Whitmore Bay.

Barry Island parkrun is a free event organised and run entirely by volunteers.

It takes a minimum of 17 volunteers each week to make sure the event can go ahead.

With the safety of the runners and other members of the public a priority it’s vital that there are plenty of helpers.

Volunteering is easy and fun and open to anyone, you don’t have to be a runner.

If you would like to help out on a Saturday morning you can get in touch by email at barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com