The race has grown amazingly during the past 20 years. In 1988 there were just 129 entrants, compared with 163 finishers in 2007.

This year a record 1,598 walkers are set to gather at the start line at the National Sports Centre, Douglas, at 8am.

Race director Raymond Cox said: 'The event has increased massively, certainly over the last 10 years and this year is a record entry.

'People are more health conscious and walking is such an easy thing to do. You don't need any kit, or extensive equipment, you don't need to join a club – you can go out and do it yourself or with friends.'

He added: 'People enjoy the experience of the Parish Walk, it's a good day out. There's a real carnival atmosphere. You are part of a bigger thing and it gives people an incentive.'

The Parish Walk route travels around each of the Island's 17 parishes from Braddan, heading south via Marown, then on to Peel and the north before visiting to Onchan and finishing on Douglas promenades.

Thanks to the support of Manx Telecom and UK firm Sportident, competitors' timings will be electronically recorded.

While many will retire at various points along the way, a determined group will aim to complete the full 85 mile course within 24 hours.
All entrants who have finished in previous years are seeded with numbers one to 178.

Robbie Callister, who aims to equal John Cannell's record of six victories, is seeded number one.

Recently enthroned Bishop Robert Paterson has agreed to take part in the walk but said he would be lucky to get past Braddan.

Stephen Pitts jnr, son of Douglas Mayor Dorothy Pitts and Councillor Stephen Pitts, will tackle the walk for the first time this year, raising money for Hospice Isle of Man.