ENTRIES will soon open for next year's Parish Walk.

Race organisers hope to see a record number of people signing up for the annual event which will take place on Saturday, June 23.

Last year attracted 1,753 entrants - the highest ever total in the event's long history.

Entries open on December 1 and a new corporate challenge category for teams of four is being introduced for the 2012 event.

All four team members must be employees of the same company and no team can have more than one member who has previously completed the full 85-miles.

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 course.

Manx Telecom is the event's new headline sponsor following the withdrawal of long term sponsor Scottish Widows in August.

Its mobile customers who enter the event before the end of January will receive £5 off their entry fee.

Manx Telecom marketing director David Smith said: "We're very proud to sponsor the Parish Walk, the level of participation and enthusiasm which it generates each year is a wonderful example of the Island's community spirit.

"Giving our mobile customers an early sign-up discount is a great way to encourage what we hope will be another record year."

Race director Ray Cox said: "Even though the Manx Telecom Parish Walk is seven months away, we would encourage anyone who wants to enter to do so as soon as possible.

"We're hoping to set another record for the number of entries next year and with additions to the format such as the corporate challenge we hope to attract many new participants."

Entry to the event is £30 per person which includes a tee-shirt, goodie bag and ticket to the prize presentation.

See www.parishwalk.com for details.

Four-time Parish Walk winner Jock Waddington, centre, with Ray Cox, left, and David Smith, right