This year’s Manx Telecom Parish Walk is already breaking records and on track for the largest ever number of entries. So far 320* walkers have signed up for the event and this is already more than the greatest number ever to have registered by the end of January. Race Director Ray Cox said that more entries were expected by the end of the month, especially as Manx Telecom customers have an extra incentive to register now as they will receive ?5 off their entry fee if they sign up before January 31.

A total of 1,753 entrants registered for the 2011 event - the highest ever total in the event’s long history - and it’s hoped that another record will be set this year. Ray Cox said:

“We’re very pleased with the number of entries so far, it’s the best we’ve ever had in January and puts us on course to beat last year’s record breaking total.”

David Smith, Manx Telecom Marketing Director, said he was delighted with the news in what is the first year of Manx Telecom’s sponsorship of the event, and he added that it would be great to see 2,012 entries in 2012. He commented:

“Reaching 2,012 entries would be a magnificent achievement and further enhance what is already a fantastic community and sports event. It’s an ambitious target, but one that is attainable given the popularity of the Parish Walk across the Island. We are confident that our ambitions for the Manx Telecom Parish Walk will be shared and supported by the Island’s community and the tremendous community spirit which has helped to make the event what it is today.”

A greater number of participants means more money raised for the many charities which benefit from the walk, and more people taking up walking for exercise - with all of the health and fitness benefits that brings. So, in order to attract more participants, the new sponsor is working with organisers to add new categories to the event for 2012 and beyond. A new Corporate Challenge category for teams of four has already been introduced with all four team members being bona fide employees of the same company, and no team with more than one member who has previously completed the full 85-mile Parish Walk. This is designed to attract participants who have never taken part in the Parish Walk before.

There will still be an overall team competition with the rule that no more than two of the four team members have previously finished the full Parish Walk course.

The 2012 Manx Telecom Parish Walk takes place on Saturday June 23 - go to www.parishwalk.com for more information and online registration. Entry costs ?30 - or ?25 for Manx Telecom customers who register before January 31. All entrants receive a Manx Telecom Parish Walk tee-shirt, goodie bag, and a ticket to the prize presentation. Everyone - including those taking part in the team and Corporate Challenge events - must enter individually. To enter the team events, entrants simply put the name of their team or Corporate Challenge team on the online entry form.

* NB: Figure quoted was correct on January 17. Please go to www.parishwalk.com, click on ‘Entries’, and scroll down to bottom of the page for the latest figure.

ENDS