BARRY Island parkrun survived the cold weather last weekend, as 152 runners took to the course for the first Saturday parkrun of the year.

An overnight frost meant an earlier than normal start for run director Dave Shields, as a course safety inspection – checking for ice – needed to be conducted while runners eagerly waited for the green light via the Barry Island parkrun Facebook page.

Thankfully, the course was clear and the "GO!" confirmation was given shortly after 8am.

A team of 27 volunteers assembled under the eastern shelter, welcoming the runners to the 138th event at Barry Island. With an approaching high tide making its presence known to those stood close to the promenade wall and the necessary pre-run safety brief completed, the athletes were let loose on the regular two-lap, 5km course.

First across the line was Jeff Cox in a time of 19m 32s, closely followed by SMR runner David Brown a mere one second behind. Third place went to Ben Macey of Cardiff AAC.

The first lady was Ellie Peterson, setting a new PB of 24:03, ahead of Rebecca Helmore in second and Georgie Lloyd, who also recorded a new PB to finish third.

Twenty first timers were among the runners taking part, as well as visitors from Cornwall and six members of the Vale Surf Life Saving Club who lined up to tackle the course.

Mr Shields said: "When possible, we try to get volunteers trying different roles. This week was no exception, with 50 per cent of the finish team taking on new roles for the first time.

"The roles can seem a little daunting, but in reality are quite straightforward and can be trained within a few minutes on the day. As anticipated, everyone performed exemplary, which made my life easy when it came to processing the results.

"Once again, we had excellent feedback about the marshal's support from around the course and everyone who helped out are due a huge pat on the back as hearing this lets us know that their efforts are appreciated."

To take part in the Barry Island parkrun, register for free online at parkrun.org.uk/barryisland/, print off your barcode and arrive at the eastern shelter at 8.50am on a Saturday morning ready for a 9am start.

Barry Island parkrun would like to thank the following volunteers: Lyn EVANS • Samuel BROUGHTON • Ian THORNE • Richard STREET • Tessa MATTHEWS • Justin DORAN • Dave SHIELDS • Ian David WARBURTON • Helen DAWSON • Evan WARBURTON • Ben BUTLER-MADDEN • Jon HUSSEY • Amber CONDY • Joanna HANKS • Sue GERSHENSON • Nigel ADAMS • Cerys MCDONALD • Julie SMITH • Joanne BAGWELL • Nadia HAMANDI • Julie DENNIS • Helen MCCARTHY • Sam BARNARD • Karen ADAMS • Ceri GRINDAL • Nicola DAVIES • Alison WOOLCOCK