THREE times Parish Walk winner Jock Waddington has been offering his advice to some of this year's Parish Walkers.
He spoke to a group of 50 staff from Barclays Wealth who are walking to raise money for the company's charity of the year Hospice Isle of Man.
Jock, who completed the 85 mile walk in 2006, 2007and 2008, said: "I first entered the Parish Walk in 2004 when asked by a friend to help raise money for a charity in memory of a close friend who had passed away. This is the reason a lot of people enter and then they get the bug.
"In training I managed three miles before I started to struggle with my feet but after much perseverance I was walking much further and was convinced I could complete the course.
"On the day I began to feel ill at Peel due to drinking too much isotonic drink and had to retire at Kirk Michael. I hadn't reached my goal and was very disappointed.
"Following this disappointment I entered the End to End in September and finished the course. I then visited race walker Alan Callow at the NSC who helped me prepare for the Parish in 2005.
"In 2005 I knew what to expect and had prepared well for the race. I managed to finish in 21 hours 44 minutes and it was an amazing feeling which has not been superseded by any of my wins since."
Jock secured his first win in 2008 before going on to win again in 2009 and 2010. He said: "2008 was an awful year in terms of weather - it rained solidly for the entire day. I probably didn't realise how bad it was because my hood was pulled so far over my face. Battling through the elements was tough at times but I was delighted with my first win."
The staff from Barclays Wealth who are taking part in this year's walk have had their walking style assessed by experts and have also spoken to local gym instructors who have helped to focus their training.
Rebecca Stride and Suzanna Ogden are organising the Parish Walk events. Rebecca said: "We were all very excited about meeting Parish Walk legend Jock. He gave us some great hints and tips to help us get that little bit further in the walk.
"We are all raising money for local charities with many entrants walking for our charity of the year Hospice Isle of Man. Barclays Wealth will match our fundraising pound for pound so we hope to be making some large donations."
Barclays Wealth will also be manning two refreshment stands along the route at Marown and Glen Maye where they will be handing out bananas, chocolate and water to competitors.
The Parish Walk takes place this Saturday, June 25.
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