THE return to the regular Barry Island parkrun course this week was made all the better for some beautiful spring weather and excellent running conditions.

Amongst the 98 runners were 24 first time runners at Barry Island, with 14 of them tackling their first-ever parkrun. Representatives of 16 different athletics clubs took part, including Neath, Islwyn, Pont-y-pwl, Andover and Burnham.

Julie Broughton, this week’s run director, led the 20-strong volunteer team who provided their usual vocal support for the runners, as well as looking out for their, and the other course users’, safety.

Before the start of the run, co-event director Lyn Evans presented Richard Wilder (San Domenico RC) with his certificate for finishing second in the annual points table. Richard went on to claim the first finisher spot for the 13th time in his 35 Barry Island parkruns.

John Frazer, who just pipped Richard to first spot in the annual points table, was warmly applauded for reaching his 50th parkrun milestone. John also leads the way in the unofficial 100 per cent Barry Island parkrun list, on 48 home parkruns. It’s going to be a busy few months ahead for 50th milestones, with a number of regular Barry Island parkrunners well into the 40s.

Several of the core volunteer team are also approaching their equivalent 50 Barry Island volunteer milestones.

In the women’s placings this week, Leanne Hockey (White Rock Runners) ran strongly and was first over the line in 23:26 - her first time in 11 runs. Sally Wilder (San Domenico RC) was second over the line in 23:41, with Jess Kingston (Unattached) third in 23:45.

Almost a quarter of this week’s field, 24 runners, managed to grab a PB in the warm, still morning conditions. Pick of the PBs was Nigel James, who, with his second top three placing, broke the 20 minute barrier for the first time, with a 19:56 finish. Fourteen of the 24 PBs were set by runners who have completed less than 10 parkruns - showing that PB’s are not just for experienced or faster runners.

Also amongst the PBs this week was Martyn Parsons. Martyn described how he achieved it, how he helped a fellow runner along the way and how his running’s improved at parkrun.

“Today was my 41st parkrun at Barry Island (69 parkruns in total) and since joining the Barry Island parkrun family I've met so many new friends that I have to arrive at 8.30am just to have a catch up and say morning to them all. The encouragement, enthusiasm and support from the core team, volunteers and other runners every week amazes me and having volunteered numerous times, I always try to say thanks on my way around. Even if most weeks I'm struggling to breathe. Along with the weekly parkrun, I have also joined up with the Seriously Mad Runners (SMR) for weekly runs, sprints, hills and sand sessions. All of which have contributed to steadily improving my fitness and times.

"A beautiful morning meant the weather was ideal for running. We gathered underneath the shelter waiting for the usual 9am start. With the new runners’ briefing completed, words of wisdom from this week’s run director, Julie Broughton - luckily no rendition of Let it go from Frozen - and a round of applause for John Frazer on his 50th parkrun, we were soon sent on our way. As we set off along the promenade and up through the gardens, my legs felt heavy after a Thursday SMR training session on the beach. I soon settled into my running and found myself alongside Lisa Williams, another SMR and parkrun regular. With the usual loud encouragement from all of the marshals, Lisa and myself found ourselves still together and helping each other along when we reached the turning point. This continued throughout lap two and as we passed Seafood Swerve making our way along the promenade towards the finish, we knew we were on for a good time. We pushed each other on and with 100 metres to go I think I shouted to (at) Lisa like a Sergeant Major (apologies) and we crossed the finish line sub-26 minutes for the first time - meaning new PBs for both of us.

"With another great Saturday morning Barry Island parkrun completed, I headed off for my usual post-run cuppa with an even bigger smile on my face than usual.”

Barry Island parkrun is a free, weekly 5k timed run and is open to anyone of any ability - runners, joggers or walkers alike. It starts at 9am every Saturday morning under the Eastern Shelter of Barry Island promenade, near the beach huts.

Find out more on the run website at parkrun.org.uk/barryisland. It’s entirely run by volunteers. Anyone wishing to help out can get in touch by sending an email to barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com.