THIS Saturday saw Barry Island parkrun again switching to the alternative course to accommodate another event.

With the Chase the Rainbow Colour Run taking place in aid of Children In Need the parkrunners were once again treated to the thrills of three laps of the seaside course instead of the usual two.

Eighty-one runners took a chance on the weather and started the 76th running of Barry Island parkrun, of which 10 were first timers, including some visitors from Trowbridge who wanted to take on the challenge of ‘Heartbreak Hill’. Alternative courses are longer than the normal 5km to prevent personal best times being set, this didn’t stop five runners who this week secured a new best time.

First over the line in a time of 20:06 was Jeffrey Cox (Les Croupiers), the first time he’s finished first in his 20 runs. Second place went to Matthew Ryan (20:36) and third was Scott Redfern in a time of 20:51.

First lady to cross the finish line in overall 14th place was annual points leader and junior runner Caitlin Williams (Seriously Mad Runners) in a time of 24:30, second place was Sarah Louise Fry crossing the line in 25:03 and third place went to Lisa Williams (Seriously Mad Runners) making her way around the three lap course in a time of 27:42.

In the annual points table it’s a clean sweep for the Williams family with Caitlin (Seriously Mad Runners) leading the way on 2020 points, second place is Lisa (Seriously Mad Runners) with 1986 points and in third place, Bethan (Seriously Mad Runners) on 1959 points.

The male points table is led by Robert Newman on 1890 points from John Magee (Les Croupiers RC) and in third place on 1448 points is John Dyer (Pegasus RC).

There was a party atmosphere this week as regular runner and volunteer Martyn Parsons took on the role of tail runner with a difference - dressed as a nurse.

What started out as just a bit of fun for his birthday soon took over the whole event as many members of his running group, Barry’s Seriously Mad Runners lived up to their name by dressing up as patients to run or marshal the course. Martyn had no idea this was happening as it was all organised in secret to give him a surprise.

It’s back to the normal two lap course this coming Saturday which means Barry Island parkrun will be issuing their weekly plea for helpers. This weekend it’s a Pacer Week in which there are runners that will complete the course in a set time to enable other runners to follow them to what is hoped will be a personal best time.

Barry Island parkrun is organised and run entirely by volunteers who give up their time each week to enable the event to take place. There are a minimum number of helpers needed to ensure the event can take place safely.

The event is free to take part in and all abilities are welcome, from complete beginner to seasoned athlete.

If you would like to get involved either as a runner or a volunteer then get in touch at barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com