Thousands of people took park in a 10k race at Barry Island on Sunday - and the pictures are brilliant.
From seeing masses at the starting line, an array of wonderful costumes and spotting some people cooling down in the sea after completing the race, it really was an event to behold.
The ABP Barry Island 10K brought a festival of running back to the summertime hotspot as more than 3,000 participants laced up their trainers to make the day another great success.
A total of 2,844 runners attempted to take on the scenic 10K route, and many more were supporting from the sidelines.
Hundreds more also took part in the more relaxed Family Fun Runs and the Toddler Dash.
Although we woke up to a bit of an overcast start to the day on Sunday, the sun eventually broke through to shine down on the runners as they raced against the backdrop of Whitmore Bay and the Bristol Channel.
Healthspan Porthcawl 10K champion and Team GB marathoner Josh Griffiths led the race through Barry’s regenerated retail area and past the Barry Dock Offices, and continued to hold off Exmouth Harriers runner Tom Merson through Romilly Park.
Swansea Harrier Griffiths kicked on the final loop before a sprint finish along the promenade to earn his second victory of the Healthspan Wales 10K Series.
He finished in a time of 30:22 ahead of Merson in 30:38 and Cardiff AC’s James Hunt, who finished third in a time of 31:08.
Natasha Cockram also kicked on from her victory in Porthcawl to claim victory in the Women’s race in 34:43 and well clear of her closest rivals.
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, was among the many who crossed the finish line.
Mr Cairns finished in an impressive 48 minutes 34 seconds, and described the event as a major success.
“It was fantastic, the weather was cooler which was welcome, the course is amazing, it’s magical to be able to run along the Barry waterfront,” he said.
“But the crowds really came together to make the event a real boost for Barry, the crowds came out in force to cheer the runners on."
Lead charity partner Tŷ Hafan also had an army of runners raising money for the vital work they undertake to support children with life-lifting conditions and their families at their Sully base.
The event was organised by Run 4 Wales, the team behind the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon, and chief executive Matt Newman, who is from Barry.
He was delighted to bring running back to his hometown.
Mr Newman said: “As a Barry boy it has been a privilege to bring one of our world class mass-participation events to my hometown.
“Barry Island has reestablished as one of Wales’ most popular seaside resorts and it has been fantastic to see how well this event has been received by runners, supporters and the local community.
"Barry clearly has an appetite for top class running events and we can’t wait to bring an even bigger and better event back to the Island next year."
The ABP Barry Island 10K concluded the four-race 2019 Healthspan Wales 10K Series, which saw more than 15,000 runners race around four iconic South Wales locations.
Season tickets will be going on sale soon so runners can take on the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run, ABP Newport Wales 10K, Healthspan Porthcawl 10K and ABP Barry Island 10K for a discounted price.
