A COMBINATION of the high tide and an event on the promenade meant the much loved alternative course was back in use on Saturday morning, with the decision made on Friday evening and quickly announced via social media.

The course switch did not deter the 158 people who ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom 26 were first timers and 12 recorded new personal bests. Representatives from 21 different clubs took part.

Volunteer Scott Rose delivered the first timers and visitors briefing, the main run briefing followed and the field was set on their way up through the gardens for the first of the three laps.

Gareth Hurman opened up a very healthy lead by the end of lap one and went on to cross the line in first position, recording a time of 18:24.

Donovan Williams-Hale of Bridgend AC, was second over the line in 19:53, with Jeffrey Cox of Les Croupiers RC, third across in 20:11 having been first to finish on six previous occasions.

Topping the female placings was Rachel Eales of Penarth and Dinas Runners, first over the line and 14th overall in 22:37, winning for the eighth time in 12 appearances.

Louise McKee of Eton Tri was second in 24:23, finishing 25th overall, with Louise Stephanie Evans of Ebbw Vale RC in third (26th overall) with 24:29.

There was a strong presence of purple and green with some official parkrun apricot thrown in for good measure. 32 members of local running group Seriously Mad Runners (Barry) certainly showed their ‘mad’ side and hula costumes were the order of the day for the Barry Island ‘henrun’, in celebration of Natalie Taylor's forthcoming wedding.

Event 122 welcomed a number of parkrun tourists and first time parkrunners. David Drury took part in his 118th parkrun. David, of London City Athletics Club, visited Barry for the first time having run at 50 different parkrun locations previously, crossing the line in 27:26. Another first time visitor was Phoebe Heveron of Farnham Runners, crossing the line in 28:56.

There were significant number 50s for Clare Connolly (29:07) and Rachel Jones (30:53) as both reached the milestone of completing 50 parkruns.

The event was made possible by 23 volunteers who all gave an hour of their time to make sure the event went ahead safely. Each event requires a minimum number of volunteers in order to go ahead. If you would like to join the volunteer team please contact barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com

Saturdays full results along with a complete event history can be found on the Barry Island parkrun website's results page.