PARKRUNS are back after coronavirus put them on hold for more than a year.

Parkruns - which are weekly 5K routes that people can run, walk, or jog - are back in Wales; a little rain didn’t stop hundreds taking part in one on Barry Island on Saturday.

Runners, walkers, and joggers assembled on Barry Island’s promenade ahead of the start time of 9am, then followed the 5,000-metre route which included passing Marco’s Café, Jackson’s Bay, and the Coastguard station.

Vale MP Alun Cairns – who is the deputy chair of the all-party Parliamentary group on parkruns, and a regular runner of Barry Island parkrun – said: “I am very grateful to the work of the volunteers that made the return of park run such a success.

“Despite the stormy weather we saw hundreds of runners of all abilities taking part. It was brilliant to experience it again after 18 long months away.

“Parkrun events form a vital part of our physical and mental wellbeing while the continued success of parkrun has encouraged many new running groups to establish across the Vale.”

Barry And District News: Alun Cairns (middle) with other parkrunners Alun Cairns (middle) with other parkrunners

Rhys Hardman finished this Barry Island parkrun first, securing an impressive time of 17:09.

See the full results here.

OTHER NEWS:

Parkrun is non-competitive and free to enter, with them taking place at numerous locations at 9am every Saturday.

More information about Barry Island park run is available here.

Mr Cairns added: “If you either an experience runner or a newbie, please turn up and get involved. It’s a great experience!”

Barry And District News: Alun Cairns on Barry Island parkrun Alun Cairns on Barry Island parkrun

Parkruns rely on volunteers to ensure the events are safe. 

If you can help out at Barry Island parkruns e-mail barryisland@parkrun.com