EVENT number 144 of the Barry Island parkrun saw a bigger than expected turnout for the event, with visitors coming from far and wide across the region to take to the course.

There was a personal milestone for Pontyclun Road Runner Paul Kehl, who chalked up his first ever first place finish crossing the line in 20.27. Huw Viggers of Rhoose Runners was second in 20.50, with Chris Johns third in 21.24.

There was no shortage of youngsters taking part this week, with Alice Davies keen to let run director Ian Jenkins know prior to the pre-run briefing that she was "allowed to run on my own now," having recently turned eleven.

Alice, who regularly runs with mum Ruth, took an incredible five minutes and seventeen seconds off her previous personal best time to take the first female finisher spot in 23.01, finishing eleventh overall. Alice is no stranger to taking top spot having previously finished first overall at Cardiff, Bridgend and Barry junior parkruns.

Alice, running in the JW11-14 category was followed across the line by fellow JW11-14 runners Rebecca George in 23.32 and Libby McKinney in third with 23.47. Emily Parker (23:52) was fourth female finisher, again in the JW11-14 category, with Caitlin Williams the fifth female to cross the line in 23:58, running in the JW15-17 category.

For the boys, Oliver McNabb (JM10) put in a great performance. Taking no notice of dad James, Oliver continued to run as hard as he could, with a superb run and determined sprint finish enough to earn him a personal best time of 26.47.

Saturday's event saw 131 people run, jog or walk the course, of whom 14 were first timers and 33 recorded new personal bests. Representatives from 14 different clubs took part.

Crossing the line in 100th position overall was another determined runner in Gary Hyatt, on his fifth visit to the Island.

Friend and fellow parkrunner Rhian Lees said: “Gary turned 70 on Sunday, February 11 and he was determined to celebrate in the only way he knows how – by running!

"He set himself a goal of running 70 miles for the week and to finish the last three at Barry Island parkrun on February 17. By the time Saturday came around he had actually run 68 miles already, as well cycling 30.

"He reached his 70 mile goal just by the top car park and when he crossed the line said he was looking forward to taking a break and having a glass of red wine!

"He’s a lifelong runner having completed over 70 marathons, a number of ultras including the Barry 40 miler and has also run for Wales in ultras, including a 100km run. He didn't want any fuss but he is an absolute inspiration!"

The team once again welcomed new runners and volunteers to the course.

"The volunteers are what make each event tick," said run director Ian Jenkins.

"Their enthusiasm out on the course is what makes the event so enjoyable for the runners and their focus in the finish area makes the event run smoothly, from the off right up until the results are published.

"It is always good to have a mix of inexperienced or new volunteers and experienced heads for support. We are always looking for volunteers and would like to be in a position where the volunteer roster is full weeks in advance as it makes the organising so much easier.

"We have a range of roles that are needed including marshalling the course, time keeping, tail walker and (barcode) scanning. If anyone is interested in doing any of these please get in touch.”

To get involved in parkrun, register online at parkrun.org.uk/register. Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km run that takes place every Saturday at 9am, starting at the Eastern Shelter of Barry Island promenade.

This week's event was made possible by 20 volunteers:

Malcolm Bradley, Tessa Matthews, Justin Doran, Ian Jenkins, Dave Shields, Ian Warburton, Evan Warburton, Richard Williams, Amber Condy, Vanya Constant, Julie Smith, Joanne Bagwell, Richard Jackson, Edwina Stoker, Rachel Gibbs, Sarah Thomas, David Brown, Alison Woolcock, John Elward and Gwynneth Elward.

For further information, contact the team at: barryislandoffice@parkrun.com, or via facebook.com/barryislandparkrun.

Saturdays full results and a complete event history can be found by visiting parkrun.org.uk/barryisland/results/latestresults.