THERE was a celebration taking place at Barry Island parkrun this week as the event marked its third anniversary with cakes, sunshine and the second highest attendance of the year, second only to the huge turnout on New Year’s Day.

Watched over by 26 volunteers, 215 runners of which 35 were first timers too to the promenade and paths of Barry Island and Nells Point for the weekly, free timed 5km run.

The weather played its part perfectly as the sunshine made a rare Bank Holiday appearance and giving the runners the chance to finally ditch the cold weather clothing.

It was Ian Southwell that was first over the line in a time of 18:32, a new Personal Best time for him.

Richard Wilder of San Domenico RC was second in 18:41 on his 450th parkrun and Thomas Lowrie came home third in 18:49.

For the ladies it was junior runner Moli Lyons of Barry & Vale Harries completing the course first in a time of 19:26 ahead of fellow Barry & Vale Harrier Dawn Howles (21:33) and Sally Wilder of San Domenico RC who ran the 5km two lap course in 22:28.

Barry Island parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9am under the Eastern Shelter on the promenade.

It’s a free event that requires participants to register with parkrun, print their personal barcode and bring it with them when they come along to run.

There is no ‘on the day’ registration, just turn up and run.

The weekly event can only take place with the help of the volunteers that give up their time each week to enable the safe running of the parkrun and they are always on the lookout for helpers.

If you would like to get involved with Barry Island parkrun the please visit the website www.parkrun.org.uk/barryisland

With the continued good weather this weekend it meant the Barry junior parkrun was also a sun-bathed event.

This takes place on Sunday mornings, 9am at Romilly Park and is a free, timed 2km fun run for junior runners aged 4-14yrs.

This week saw the highest attendance of 2018 with 65 runners making their way around the paths of Romilly Park, 12 of which were First Timers and a massive 18 new Personal Best Times, including the top 5 finishers.

Just like the Barry Island parkrun, Barry juniors are always looking for helpers and you can find out more by visiting their website at www.parkrun.org.uk/barryjuniors