THE wild weekend weather made for difficult conditions for the runners and volunteers taking part in event 99.

The westerly wind meant that certain sections of the course were more challenging than usual with a strong crosswind making Heartbreak Hill a real test. There was little opportunity for recovery in the downhill section through the gardens, however the tailwind on the prom made for some fast, exciting finishes.

With the pre-run briefing over it was straight into the wind and off up the prom.

The runners rounded ‘Seafood Swerve’ and were soon into their stride as they headed off up through the gardens on the first of their two laps.

With the narrow car park section safely negotiated the front runners were soon exposed to the elements as they made their way out on to Nells Point. Heartbreak Hill loomed and proved difficult for both runners and volunteers alike as the strong and gusting crosswind made it a challenge to stay upright.

Brian Thain, who finished in 21st position overall, put in a blistering performance.

“It was difficult out there,” said Brian following his run.

“The crosswind up on the hill nearly took you off your feet.”

Finishing in a time of 24:15, Brian was just 14 seconds outside his personal best, a superb run in such difficult conditions.

As the front runners approached the half-way point it was a close affair with Jeffrey Cox just ahead of Ed Morris as they passed the turnaround and set off on the second of two laps.

Things had warmed up and the marshals were soon collecting hats, coats and jumpers as runners streamed around the turnaround point to make their way up the prom for the second time.

The second lap had started to take its toll and a sizeable gap had opened up between the first two. The finish area volunteers all took up their final positions as the call came over the radio that the front runners were on the promenade and heading for the finish line.

First to cross the line in a time of 19:41 was Jeffrey Cox of Les Croupiers RC, his fourth first placing in 32 appearances. Ed Morris, also of Les Croupiers RC, was second over the line in 20:29 with Robert Newman third in 20:58.

The top three female placings went to Zoe Barber of Penarth and Dinas Runners. Zoe crossed the line in 21:01 in her first appearance at Barry Island parkrun. Ruth Owens, also of Penarth and Dinas Runners, was second female and 13th overall finishing in 23:01.

Harriet Kehl, running in the JW11-14 category was third female finisher and 22nd overall, putting in a superb sprint finish to take the position and record a time of 24:27.

The weekend saw the welcome return of Barry Island favourites Clem and Janice Clement.

Currently residing in Glasgow, the Penarth and Dinas Runners duo returned to the Vale for a pre half marathon warm-up. Janice was getting set to reach a personal milestone, taking part in her 100th half marathon in the Forest of Dean.

Travelling with the P&D runners was Geraldine Gallagher. Geraldine, of Springburn Harriers, was visiting Barry Island parkrun for the first time and about to set off on her own half marathon journey, taking part in her very first 13.1 mile event, also at the Forest of Dean.

This week 96 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom 12 were first timers and six recorded new personal bests. Runners from 10 different running clubs took part and the event was made possible by 26 volunteers.

Alun Wallace (26.28), Nathan King (28.04) and Anna Mears (31.44) were all taking part in their very first parkrun. Anna, running in the JW11-14 category, was joined by fellow youngster Monty Griffiths who posted a new personal best time of 27.36, beating his previous PB by around one and a half minutes.

This weekend sees the celebration of Barry Island parkrun number 100. The event is sure to be a special occasion and the team hope to see a bumper turnout.

As numbers of both runners and volunteers continue to grow the team would welcome both new runners and volunteers. To get involved in parkrun you need to first register online at parkrun.org.uk/register

The parkrun homepage still proudly displays a photograph of the Barry Island parkrun core volunteer team.

The event is a free weekly, timed 5k run that takes place every Saturday at 9am, starting at the Eastern Shelter of Barry Island promenade.

For further information on how to get involved contact the team via email at barryislandoffice@parkrun.com or via facebook.com/barryislandparkrun