White Rock Runners takeover Barry Island parkrun

The descent of 28 volunteers from the club enabled most of the regular core team of volunteers the opportunity to run either Barry Island parkrun or visit others across the region.

White Rock Runners is a relatively new club to the Welsh running scene. Forming in 2013, upon the disbanding of Virgin Active, White Rock Runners have attracted some 76 members and appear at a number of local events and some further afield.

The takeover was largely co-ordinated by core team member Dave Shields and club chairman Phillip Mears, with club and core team member Ian Jenkins on hand as official run director for Saturday's event.

Following the event Phillip said: “Every Saturday around 25 per cent of White Rock Runners (WRR) partake in a parkrun somewhere across South Wales and are appreciative of the volunteers who make these events happen.

“Without the core teams at each event many parkruns would struggle to go ahead. WRR members often volunteer at parkrun and other running events and therefore putting something back into the running community from which we get so much.

“Volunteering is the lifeblood of parkrun and if you've not tried it then why not give it a go - it's very rewarding.”

The wet stuff that regulars have come to associate with parkrun was upon everyone but it didn’t really last nor did it dampen the spirits of the 31 strong volunteer team and 116 runners.

Arriving at Barry Island, the skies had cleared and all present were left with a beautiful sunrise reflecting on the calm, outward bound tide; maybe this was an omen into how today was going to pan out for the WRRs.

All volunteers set-up, briefed with their role, and those with marshal points at the farthest end of the course en route to their cheer points – some took this cheering a little bit seriously with some dance moves being busted at the crossover.

All were afforded some light rain, as predicted the night before, at the start of the run when the runners set off over the 5km alternative, alternative course.

First to cross the line for the fourth time in 37 appearances was Matthew Ryan, stopping the watch in 19:34. Paul Kehl was second over the line in 20:37 with John Magee of Les Croupiers RC, third in 20:52.

First of the ladies to cross the line, in 17th place overall and running in the JW11-14 category was Harriet Kehl, finishing in 24:28, the first time in 22 appearances. Georgina Lloyd was second (23rd overall) over the line in 25:07 with Sophie Gott, third female finisher and 28th overall, crossing the line in 25:30.

Heartbreak Hill had its own photographer this week. The photos can be viewed via the link on the official Barry Island parkrun page with some to be found via Facebook and Twitter pages.

Thanks go to David Sinclair who carried out a dual role of photographer and course marshal. Regular volunteer photographer Kevin Moore, was placed on the promenade and his photos can also be viewed on the official Barry Island parkrun page and the Facebook and Twitter pages.

Runners aged four and up are able to participate at parkrun and this week saw the High Street Harriers proudly donning their new kit. High Street Harriers are an after school running group for nine to 11-year-olds.

All parkrun's require that runners under 11 years of age are to be accompanied at all times by a designated adult and must stay within arm’s reach during the running. This rule was followed to the letter, however some of the grown-ups were found wanting and struggling to keep up.

Down at the finish funnel, of the 116 finishers, 25 achieved personal best times. All tokens and barcodes scanned and returned too – thanks to everyone for not taking these home.

Runners come from far and wide to take part in Barry Island parkrun and Saturday was no exception with visitors from Aberdare Valley AAC, Cwm Ogwr RC, Pencoed Tri and Stoke Striders Recreational Running Group.

A very special mention to one core volunteer member, Claire-Louise Thorne.

Claire is one of the four run directors at Barry Island parkrun and has volunteered on 66 occasions, carrying out 109 tasks but has only run it once …. at event 92. Claire can be regularly seen pacing up and down the finish funnel or out on the course when not on RD duty but on this occasion, inspired by the spirit of parkrun, was one of the events 10 first timers.

During these events, the volunteer team are always on hand to assist any runner or fellow volunteer and will happily answer any questions.

The team at Barry Island parkrun would like to extend their thanks to all at White Rock Runners for their assistance in staging the event and look forward to welcoming them back soon.

If you would like to get involved in parkrun either as a runner or volunteer contact the team at barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com