A STIFF easterly breeze meant it was time to wrap up warm for our volunteer team ahead of Barry Island parkrun event number 145.

Some were feeling the heat however as they took on new roles for the first time, with Evan Warburton acting as timekeeper alongside dad Ian. Last week's first finisher, Paul Kehl, swapped his running shoes for a volunteer role handing out finishing position tokens alongside Harriet Kehl. Jon Hussey delivered the first-timers briefing, where he was greeted by 18 newcomers to the Barry Island course.

Leading home the 152 strong field was Glyn Fletcher of Les Croupiers RC, taking first position in a time of 17.41. Second across the line was Nathan Christoforato of Penarth and Dinas Runners in 19.43, with Gary Morgan third in 20.06.

On only his second visit to Barry Island parkrun, fourth spot was taken by John Cheal of Mount Sinai Striders who finished in a time of 20.10, just two seconds off his course PB. The chilly conditions did not seem to affect John, who only last week was taking part in West Coast Park parkrun in Singapore, where he is a regular visitor.

Leading the ladies home was Lisa Cleary of Penarth and Dinas Runners, posting a course personal best time of 22.13. Second female finisher was Rebecca George, pipping SMR's Caitlin Williams by a whisker as both posted a time of 23.33.

Celebrating her birthday with a run at Barry Island was Claire Connolly of Vale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), posting a course personal best time of 25.40 in the process. Claire, a regular runner at the Island, headed six members of the Vale SLSC around the two lap course.

Vale SLSC will be making up the majority of the volunteer roster at Barry Island on March 10.

Vale SLSC chairman Simon Parker said: “As a recently formed Surf Lifesaving Club, we've very much enjoyed and benefited from Barry Island parkrun and have a regular turnout running each Saturday. We'd like to think that this has helped with our overall fitness that helped us to do so well at the recent Welsh pool championships.”

He added: “We would like to repay the time and effort put in by the volunteers each week running the event, by offering to provide all of the volunteers (or most) on a Saturday, giving the regulars a well-earned rest and chance to take part.”

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km run that takes place every Saturday at 9am, starting at the Eastern Shelter of Barry Island promenade. Each event requires a minimum number of volunteers to ensure it can go ahead safely. To get involved in parkrun, you need to first register online at parkrun.org.uk/register.

The junior event also went ahead on Sunday morning (February 25), with 38 youngsters taking part despite the freezing conditions.

The 2km weekly run aimed at 4-14 year olds takes place each week at Romilly Park and starts at 9am.

With runners being rewarded for achieving half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon distances, the morning began with awards for Eleni, Rose and Chloe for achieving half marathon distance, as well as marathon milestones for Imogen and Zac on the occasion of their 21st run. Awards were presented by run director Denise Aplin.

First to complete the two lap 2km course this week was Leo Watkins in a new personal best time of 8.33. A close battle for second place went to Heather Heslop, who crossed the line in 8.56, just ahead of Rhys McNabb who also got a new Personal Best time of 8.57.

Barry junior parkrun is organised and run entirely by volunteers and each week, a minimum number of helpers are needed to ensure the safety of the participants and volunteers.

“We’ve struggled recently to get enough volunteers to make sure we can put on this fantastic event for the juniors each week,” said event director Claire Thorne.

“It would be brilliant if we had more helpers as the last thing we want to do is cancel the event.”

If you want more information, or to get involved in Barry junior parkrun, you can get in touch via email at: barry-juniorsoffice@parkrun.com