Entries have opened for the Harbour2Harbour Walk, which will return for its fifth year on Sunday, May 20.

The non-competitive event runs from Castletown to Port Erin - but the organisers are again staging a second start at Port St Mary for participants who don’t want to walk the full nine miles.

Entrants can wear fancy dress and there is a prize for the best outfit.

Walkers can also enter as part of a team.

The faster walkers can start ahead of the pack and timing chips are available for those who want to record their walk.

Dog walkers are also encouraged to bring along their pet, which will receive a Harbour2Harbour dog bandana.

Last year the 454 participants raised £5,240.

The funds were divided between Southern Community Initiatives’ (SCI) projects, including Men in Sheds and SPort Erin and Beach Buddies.

The maximum number of participants is 500.

This year’s route will see walkers leave Castletown harbour at 10am, head along the coastal path to Glen Chass and on to The Howe before joining St Mary’s Road and finishing at the old marine biological centre in Port Erin.

Event coordinator Janet Bridle said: ’The Harbour2Harbour walk is a fun event for the community, with a chance for everyone to enjoy a lovely morning walking through beautiful parts of our island.

’The event is open to everyone around the island, whatever their age or fitness level.

’We have a wide range of people enjoying the walk, from young children to the more mature entrants.

’The introduction of a second start line last year was really popular, so again we are including a second registration point in Port St Mary.

’The second half of the walk takes you through stunning scenery of Glen Chase.

Based at The Hub - Thie Rosien in Castletown Road, Port Erin - SCI is home to several initiatives including community art and creative writing projects, crafts, bridge and board games, meditation, a social fitness group and the Men in Sheds project.

The aim of the Hub is to tackle isolation and loneliness by bringing people together through community projects, as well as promoting volunteering, inclusive communities, and providing a place for socialising and encouraging community collaboration and activities.

To register your entry online from March 1, visit my5.raceresult.com/90262/. Application forms are also available in Shoprite and post offices.

The event is sponsored by property developer Dandara.

Dandara boss Seamus Nugent said: ’The Harbour2Harbour walk is a great event and we’re excited to be supporting it again this year. Not only is it a fun day out, but it raises money for such important causes. SCI provides a wonderful range of activities, tackling issues of loneliness and isolation head-on, and we’re pleased to support these inspirational community projects alongside the work of SPort Erin and Beach Buddies.

’Each year the event grows in popularity and it’s great to see so many people getting involved, keeping fit and raising money for local community causes.’

Janet Bridle added: ’We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Dandara and would like to thank the team for its ongoing commitment to the Harbour2Harbour walk. As well as our sponsor, the H2H walk is only possible thanks to the support of volunteers and the community, including Southern Nomads RUFC, which will again be providing invaluable marshalling for the event.’