A BUSY local running weekend made for a full volunteer roster at Saturday’s Barry Island parkrun, as many of the regular parkrunners rested up ahead of the Cardiff 10k, Newport Half Marathon and a cross-country meet in Swansea.

Some of the volunteers took the opportunity to try out new roles.

It was still another three-figure field however, as 118 runners took on the 5k course in cold but sunny conditions. This was the 12th successive field of more than 100 runners and so far this year numbers are up by more than 70 per cent compared to the start of 2016.

Before setting the runners off, co-event director Lyn Evans, presented certificates to the season’s points league table toppers.

It was a Williams family clean-sweep in the women’s table, with Caitlin in first place on 3,476 points, mum Lisa in second on 3,240 points and sister Bethan third on 2,980 points.

Robert Newman topped the men’s table on 3,325 points, closely followed by John Magee on 3,041 points, with Michael Elliston third on 2,839 points.

Special certificates were also awarded to the two most prolific volunteers, Dave Shields and Denise Aplin. Both will shortly be taking up run director roles at Barry Island parkrun and the new Barry junior parkrun respectively.

Amongst the 118 runners there were 12 first time Barry Island parkrunners and representatives of nine different athletics clubs, including Jenny Mulhearn from Reading Road Runners and Andrew Williams from Park Bryn Bach Running Club.

Jenny commented: “Thanks for your hard work and that of all of your volunteers. You have a very picturesque run which we really enjoyed this morning. “

There was a good crop of personal best times this week, with 22 runners setting a new course best time.

Junior runners featured prominently on the list, with PB’s for regulars Thomas Lowrie, Tom Waters, Harriet Kehl and Imogen Davies, and for newer but no less enthusiastic runners Evan Gwatkin and Evan Boffy.

Some of the senior runners registering a PB included Simon Arscott in fourth place, Brian Thain, Martin Hignell (paced very effectively by Nigel Rees), Jennifer Lewis and Richard Jackson.

Thomas Lowrie (JM15-17) was first over the line this week with a new PB time of 19:19 - his first top spot in 33 appearances. He was just ahead of Matthew Ryan, who finished second in 19:25. Tom Waters (JM11-14) finished third with a new PB of 20:34.

Louise McKee from Eton Tri, was first female (17th overall) over the line in 22:44, her fifth time in nine appearances. Table-topper Caitlin Williams (JW11-14) of SMR (Barry), was second (20th overall) over the line in 23:06 and Harriet Kehl (JW11-14) was third over the line with a new PB of 23:52.

There were three juniors in the top five this week, with Ben Ray (JM11-14) from Barry and Vale Harriers picking up fifth spot, and five PB times amongst the first 10 places.

There’s been a very good response to the recent appeal for volunteers to support a junior 2k parkrun at Romilly Park in Barry.

Lyn Evans, the parkrun ambassador responsible for setting up the event commented: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our volunteer appeal for a Barry junior parkrun, with more than 25 people offering to help.

"The essential event director and the four run director roles have been filled by experienced parkrun volunteers and we’re now working together to finalise things for a start later in the spring.

"Once all the appropriate child safeguarding measures are in place, then we’ll be able to announce a start date.

"The team’s very excited at the prospect.”

In the UK, more than two million people have now registered with parkrun. All that’s needed to enjoy the first full parkrun experience is to sign up, turn up and run (or walk or jog) 5k. Presenting a personal barcode at the finish ensures a time in the week’s results.

Barry Island parkrun is a free, weekly 5k timed run and is open to anyone of any ability from age four upwards - runners, joggers or walkers alike.

It starts at 9am every Saturday morning at Barry Island promenade, normally under the Eastern shelter.

Find out more on the run website at parkrun.org.uk/barryisland

It’s entirely organised by volunteers. Anyone wishing to help out can get in touch by sending an email to barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com

After 97 Barry Island parkruns, 2,290 different runners, including participants from 203 athletics clubs, have completed 9,561 runs covering a total distance of 47,805km.

There have been 1,994 new personal bests. They have been supported by 330 different volunteers in more than 2,100 roles.