Parish Walk 2012: Record entry for Isle of Man walk
Last updated on .From the section Athletics
A record-breaking 1,818 people will take part in the Manx Telecom Parish Walk on the Isle of Man next month.
The list of competitors includes more than 800 people who have entered the 85-mile walk for the first time.
"The numbers reflect a growing interest in race-walking and show a real appetite for this sort of event," said organiser Raymond Cox.
Entrants must complete the walk in 24 hours and last year only 159 made it to the finish in the allotted time.
The course takes in all 17 parish churches around the island and finishes on Douglas Promenade.
Many competitors enter for the fun of it, although it is a recognised competition and is subject to standard race-walking rules.
Entrants have the option of pulling out at any stage but typical targets are Rushen after 19 miles or Peel after 32 miles.
"It is a great day and the whole island seems to come out and support the competitors. It is a real community event," Cox added.
The walk will start at 0800 BST at the National Sports Centre in Douglas on Saturday, 23 June.
