THE 59th Barry Island parkrun took place on Saturday, June 18 with a total of 17 newcomers making the trip to the beach to run.

With 92 finishers this week, the total number of individual runners to complete the 5km course along the promenade, paths and headland has now reached 1,540.

First over the line in his first run at Barry Island was Adam Edwards of Pontypridd Roadents RC in a time of 19:02. Matthew Ryan was second in 19:43 and in third place, having travelled all the way from his home in Singapore with the goal of completing Barry Island parkrun, was John Cheal of Mount Sinai Striders, crossing the line in a very respectable 20:09.

For the women, first across the line was Caitlin Williams (17th overall) in a time of 23:40 followed by her sister Bethan in 26:37. Completing a top three clean sweep for local running group Seriously Mad Runners was Ally Twigg, making the finish line in a new PB time of 26:50.

Not content with just her parkrun first place, Caitlin followed this up with an excellent second place in a 2km race in Caerphilly on Sunday morning. Watched by the rest of the family, she finished in a fantastic time of 8:10.

The current annual points table has Mark Ellis (Barry & Vale Harriers) leading the way with 610 points, with Robert Newman on 558 points in second and last year’s table topper, Mike James, in third on 537 points.

The points table for the women is looking very familiar with the Williams family occupying all three top places this week. Caitlin is currently top on 676 points with Bethan second on 651 points and mum Lisa, after completing her 50th parkrun (46 at Barry Island), is in third place with 650 points.

Amongst the 28 course personal best times this week were PB’s for John Ross (21:32), Craig Gardener (23:38), Gemma Price (31:25) and Marivic Jubilan (35:49), her third in a row.

It was a busy time under the Eastern Shelter this week. With events being set up at the far end of the promenade, it was a testing time but with some well-planned teamwork from the volunteers as well as the Vale Council’s Events team, everything went smoothly for all parties. Even the first three finishers were keen to grab a hi-viz vest once they’d got their breath back and help out with some marshalling duties.

If you would like to help out at any time, please get in touch with us at barryislandhelpers@parkrun.com we are always looking for volunteers to help out on a Saturday morning. It’s fun and really easy and a great way to get out in the fresh sea air.