A GROUP of 139 runners braved the wet weather on Greenock Esplanade on Saturday morning to tacking the latest popular 5km time trial.

The runners were pleased that the weather stayed largely dry during the run in which 27 completed the Greenock course for the first time.

Among the first-time runners were Jason Ferrier and John Thow known as ‘The Parkrun Arabs’ – Dundee United supporters who are attempting to complete every parkrun in Scotland in their club’s football colours.

A lucky 13 runners managed to improve their time.

Well done to Andrew MCGLYNN, Jill AIKMAN, Carol MOIR, Gordon MCKECHNI, Louise BURDEN, Kelly DOWDS, Carlyn MACLEAY, David WALLACE, Kelly MCKENNA, Gillian Neill ROBERTSON, Julie PERCIVAL, Jennifer BUCHAN and Alison MONTEITH.

Wemyss Bay man David Black was celebrating completing his 100th parkrun.

David started back in January 2015 and has become a regular face at the Greenock event alongside with his wife Sharon, both pictured.

He has completed 99 runs locally and one at neighbouring Linwood. Since starting, David has dropped his parkrun time by 10 minutes and dropped his weight by an impressive three and a half stones.

He has recently taken the plunge and joined a local running club and will now receiving his 100th parkrun milestone t-shirt in the post as he trains towards reaching the 250 target.

Organisers would like to say a big thank you to the dedicated volunteer team who keep the parkrun event going every week during the holiday season.

Particular thanks are due to run director John Stevenson, who has taken charge at Greenock for the last three weeks in a row.

This Saturday he will be heading to Ruchill parkrun in Glasgow where his daughter Nicola will be run director for the first time there.

To volunteer to help at parkrun in the range of simple jobs, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/greenock/futureroster