Parish Walk underway

Around 1,500 competitors are taking part in the Manx Telecom Parish Walk, which started at the National Sports Centre today.

It's 100 years since 12 men started the first ever Parish Walking Match - only four finished with Harry Bridson the winner.

The 85 mile hike around the Island's 17 parish churches looks like a battle between four competitors for the overall title.

Last year's joint winners Richard Gerrard and Vinny Lynch, returning 4-time title holder Jock Waddington and the always determined Michael George are set to fight it out.

The Ladies' race could develop into a head-to-head between holder Sue Biggart and the returning Janice Quirk, who set the quickest time ever by a woman back in 2009.

Away from the front of the field, many will be raising serious monies for charity and will have their own personal goals - Peel will be the aimed for destination for many, 32.5 miles away!