Our walkers delivered their expected success and more at Sunday's 'Big Walk' in Capetown, South Africa.

Never having won any race before The End to End 2011, Richard Gerrard has now bagged the trophies from three prestigious events, with this year's Manx Telecom Parish Walk as the meat in the sandwich.

Conditions were far from comfortable despite the gun going off at 3.45am to avoid the worst of the heat and once again, he was locked together with friend and rival, Vinny Lynch for the first 60k. The Irishman made a break for it at that stage and Richard thought that his chance had gone as he had started to struggle. However, he persevered and when the former began to suffer from dehydration 15k from the end, he seized the opportunity and was able to extend a 5 minute lead, finishing in 8 hours and 38 minutes.

Robbie Callister, the defending champion came home in third place but despite a valiant effort, Sue Biggart was unable to overhaul the first local girl but still managed a very creditable 5th overall and 2nd lady.

Andrew Titley (to whom I must apologise for missing from my preview) was 7th.  The Vermeuelens, Philipus and his wife both also finished their races 80k and 30k respectively.

The venture was sponsored by Old Mutual Finance, a local company with strong South African links.