BLUE sky and sunshine greeted the 143 runners that started off their weekend with a run at Barry Island parkrun this week, including 20 visitors and First Timers.

Included in the visitors this week were some runners from the Little Stoke parkrun.

This is the event that made headlines when it had to be permanently cancelled as the local Parrish Council wanted to charge runners for using the park.

Barry Island parkrun is a free, timed event for anyone that wants to run, jog or walk the 5km two lap course that snakes its way around the promenade, gardens and Nells Point.

Organised and run entirely by volunteers the event takes place every Saturday morning at 9am.

This week it was junior runner Iestyn Edwards of Cardiff AAC that was first to cross the finish line in a a new Personal Best time of 18:26. Second finisher was Ben Butler-Madden of Penarth & Dinas Runners in 18:58 ahead of Phil Cross who also achieved a new Personl Best time of 19:18.

For the ladies it was Gina Hardman of Bridgend AC making it around the course first in a time of 21:55 with Sally Wilder of San Domenico RC second in 22:23 with Louise Hunt of Penarth & Dinas Runners in third place in a time of 23:02.

As with all parkruns around the world, Barry Island parkrun could not take place without the help of the volunteers that give up their time each week to ensure the event can go ahead safely, this week the 24 helpers were: Mandy Barrington, Andrea Hurman, Yvonne Williams, Lyn Evans, Ian Thorne, Tessa Matthews, Tracy Elliston, Dave Shields, Rachel Jones, Andrew Gott, Jason Elworthy, Nicola Hardy, Michelle Green, Julie Smith, Helen McCarthy, Alun Chapple, Samuel Jones, Lynden Mack, Angharad Mack, Lowri Mack, Louise George, Emma White, George Barnsley & Christopher Barnsley.

If you would like to get involved with Barry Island parkrun or would like more information, you can contact the team via email at barryislandoffice@parkrun.com