THE SUN was shining at Barry Island for the 104th parkrun event.

With the new runners briefing completed, the volunteer team were all in position and ready to go as the final few runners made their way to the start line for the 9am off.

The run briefing covered all the safety aspects of the run but was preceded by congratulations from run director Ian Jenkins and a round of applause from the runners for Robert Newman as he took to the parkrun start line for the 50th time, 46 of these being at Barry Island.

A superb run saw Robert crossing the line in fourth position overall, recording a time of 20.19, a mere 10 seconds outside his own previous best time recorded at event number 79.

There was plenty of support from the volunteer team again this week.

With a few of the core team members in London preparing for the marathon some of the team were apprehensive as they took on roles for the first time.

With five of the seven volunteers in the finish area taking on new roles, they certainly rose to the challenge.

Another runner reaching a milestone was Paul Wright of Rebel Runners –Medway.

Paul’s first visit to the Barry Island course coincided with his 100th run.

Other first timers to the coastal course were, Gary Lewis, representing Wallsend Harriers and AC of Tyne and Wear, David Lewis and William Holton.

Other first timers were Louise Lang of Seriously Mad Runners (Barry), Kim Sellick, Alison Moir, Natalie Murray, Sophie James, Sean McIntyre, Malachy McIntyre and Alexander James, all of whom were taking part in their first ever parkrun.

In the male and overall placings, the first runner to cross the line failed to present their personal barcode meaning an unknown runner was recorded.

Nathan Christophorato was second over the line in 20:05. Phil Cross was third over the line in 20:06.

In the female placings, for the second week in row Joanne Donnelly of Newcastle (Staffs) Triathlon Club, was first over the line (eighth overall) in 21:27, her tenth first position in 17 appearances.

Caitlin Williams of Seriously Mad Runners (Barry), was the second female over the line and 16th overall in 23:03, having been first to finish on six previous occasions.

Ally Twigg of Seriously Mad Runners (Barry), was third (24th overall) over the line in a new personal best time of 24:16.

This week 138 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom 12 were first timers and 36 recorded new Personal Bests.

Representatives of 16 different clubs took part.

The event was made possible by 22 volunteers.

Saturdays full results and a complete event history can be found on the Barry Island parkrun Results Page.

The three highest age grades were recorded by:

Paul Kehl (VM50-54) – 73.63% for the time 20:21 (5th overall).

Joanne Donnelly (VW40-44) – 72.26% for the time 21:27 (8th overall).

Robert Newman (VM45-49) – 70.30% for the time 20:19 (4th overall).

As numbers of both runners and volunteers continue to grow the team looks to welcome both new runners and volunteers.

To get involved in parkrun you need to first register online at www.parkrun.org.uk/register.

Parkrun is a free weekly, timed 5k run that takes place every Saturday at 9am, starting at the Eastern Shelter of Barry Island promenade.

For further information on how to get involved contact the team via email at barryislandoffice@parkrun.com or via www.facebook.com/barryislandparkrun