Manx Telecom Parish Walk winners, Vinnie Lynch, Richard Gerrard and Sue Biggart, the Ladies Champion are accompanied by the reigning champion, Robbie Callister on their trip to South Africa, sponsored by Castletown Golf Links owner & two time MTPW finisher, Philipus Vermeulen for the 80k 'Big Walk' which takes place in Cape Town this Sunday.

'Fresh'(if anyone who has walked for 28 hours only a few weeks ago can ever be so described) from their recent triumph in Roubaix, France, where Vinnie & Richard were 2nd & 3rd, covering an amazing 232,865m and 228,681m respectively, they have to be amongst the favourites for the event which was first held in 1903.

Whether the title holder, Robbie Callister will be able to take advantage of the long hard season endured by his two local adveraries looks doubtful as they both set new personal best standards in the Up and Running Winter League a week last Sunday (28th October.)

Judging by last year's results, Sue Biggart also looks to have a reasonable chance of victory as the winner's time was only 0.4per kilometer faster than Sue's 85 miles in the Parish Walk. However, whether the weather will again produce Manx style conditions as it did in 2011 is anyone's guess but looking at the forecast, it may well favour our raiders.