GREENOCK parkrun returned after a 518-day hiatus - with 163 runners and 14 volunteers hitting the Esplanade.

The new wider start area at the bottom of Margaret Street was buzzing from 9.15am, with people catching up on 18 months of chat in the short time before the 9.30am start.

A total of 34 first timers were welcomed to Greenock, with 13 taking part in their first-ever parkrun.

Our first finishers this week were Calum Oates and Ruth Joss, both members of Shettleston Harriers, in 16.32 and 18.43 respectively.

This was their first times at Greenock parkrun and they took full advantage of the flat course to post great times.

There were a few milestone runs to celebrate, with the runners having patiently waited for 74 weeks to get their chance.

Iain MacLeod celebrated his 100th parkrun, having spent seven years at 13 different events to finally get to the century.

Sharon and David Black celebrated together their 100th and 150th parkruns respectively. They both started back in 2015 at Greenock, with Sharon completing all of her runs at Greenock.

Almost all of David's have been at Greenock, only venturing away from the Esplanade once for a single run at Linwood.

Organisers would like to congratulate everyone who took part.

As parkrunners start to get back into their weekly routine and plan for future events, it's worth reminding people of the volunteering side of events.

It's a great way to get to know fellow runners and is fun and easy to do.

Anyone interested in volunteering should visit www.parkrun.org.uk/greenock/volunteer/ for details or email greenock@parkrun.com