A FOGGY start to the morning meant that this week's 102 runners were out of sight within a few minutes of the start of event 89 at Barry Island.

The second event of 2017 saw a 52 per cent increase in numbers in comparison with the second event of the previous year.

Unforeseen circumstances saw a change from the usual Eastern Shelter start with the course switched to the much loved three lap alternative.

Sixteen first timers listened attentively to the new runners briefing, delivered by Richard Williams of Seriously Mad Runners (Barry).

Richard, a regular runner and volunteer at Barry Island along with his family, took on two volunteer roles this week and was one of a team of 24, some of which were first time volunteers with others taking on roles they had not done previously.

With the timekeepers and course marshals in position the runners headed off up the hill and out to Nells Point and up ‘Heartbreak Hill’ on the first of the three challenging laps.

First male to cross the finish line was Ben Butler-Madden of Penarth and Dinas Runners, finishing in 18:07, almost two minutes clear of the rest of the field. This was the fourth time in 12 appearances that Ben has crossed the line in top spot and also recorded the best age graded score of the day with 72.77 per cent.

Second position went to new barcode owner Joe Hewitt. Joe, of Barry and Vale Harriers, crossed the line in 19:52 just four seconds ahead of Scott Redfern in third in.

Personal best times are few and far between on the alternative course, Rachel Eales of Hyde Park Harriers recording the first of six for the days event. Rachel, for the third time in five appearances at Barry Island parkrun, was the first female finisher and recorded a time of 21:11.

Finishing in fifth spot overall, Rachel recorded the second best age grade score of the day with 69.87 per cent.

Elin Carys Morgan was second female over the line in 21:29, with Libby McKinney of Barry and Vale Harriers third female to finish with 25:54.

Also recording personal best times for the course were Nick Lavender (21:30), Laura Davenport (27:48), Eleri Tainton (29:55), Nick Everitt (32:07). The final PB of the morning was recorded by Dylan Kerbey (38:30), running in the JM10 category and taking part in only his second ever parkrun.

It was another good showing from members of Seriously Mad Runners (Barry) with 17 runners including first time parkrunner Darryl Beaver. This week's SMR contingent have racked up a massive total of 842 parkruns between them across various event across the United Kingdom.

Held on Saturday mornings, parkrun is a series of 5k runs held in areas of open space around the UK and the world.

They are open to all and are safe and easy to take part in - parkrun is not a race. It is you against the clock.

It is entirely organised by volunteers and is completely free but registration is required before your first run. Register at parkrun.org.uk/register.

Each event needs a minimum number of volunteers each week in order to go ahead. Safety is paramount at each event and the volunteers ensure the course is well marshalled.

If you would like to join the volunteer team contact barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com for further information.