The latest from this week's parkruns (W33 24)

This weekend, 251 participants gathered for the 5k Newtown parkrun or 2k Hafan yr Afon junior parkrun.

The Newtown parkrun and Hafan yr Afon junior parkrun events continue to bring the community together every weekend, fostering a spirit of fitness and camaraderie. 

Aled Breeze of the Maldwyn Harriers led the pack in the 5k event, finishing first with a time of 17:20, closely approaching his personal best of 17:08. Ollie Jones, also from the Maldwyn Harriers, secured second place with an 18:02 finish. Michael Murray, a seasoned runner with 146 parkruns, crossed the line third at 19:11.

Young talent Xander Brandon-Higgs made a significant mark, finishing fourth and setting a new personal best of 19:11. Warren Nuttall, a veteran with 279 parkruns, also achieved a new personal best, completing the course in 19:20.

Other runners who recorded new personal bests include Darren Goddard (19:31), Tom Morgan (19:31), Jonathan Turner (19:33), and Danny Beeson (19:34). The fastest female runner, Hannah Thomas of the Maldwyn Harriers, clocked in at 20:02, just shy of her personal best of 19:35.

Dean Thomas (20:33), Daniel Pike (20:49), and Jake Bennett (21:13) joined the ranks of runners achieving new personal bests. Rob Jarman (21:25) and Jamie Mayers (21:32) also made noteworthy improvements.

Among the first-timers, Alex Vasilionka made a commendable debut, finishing in 21:37. Other participants like Kevin Jones and Stephen Owen demonstrated their experience with times of 21:39 and 21:47, respectively, adding to the event's vibrant mix of seasoned and new runners.

The Hafan yr Afon junior parkrun on Sunday was equally exciting, with young athletes showcasing their determination and setting personal records. Teddy L led the juniors, finishing the 2k course in 08:04. Thomas M followed closely, setting a new personal best of 08:22.

Charlie G, with a time of 08:24, and Evie W, the fastest girl with a new personal best of 08:39, displayed their growing prowess. Rhydian F, Teleri R, and Heledd R all set new personal records, demonstrating the event's supportive and motivating environment for young runners.

The junior parkrun also saw impressive performances from participants like Macsen J, Harvey E, and Archie E, each setting new personal bests.

For a complete list of results and more details, click here.