Participants in this year’s Parish Walk should get a move on if they want to secure a discounted entry to the event.

Registration fees will rise from £40 to £50 after midnight on Wednesday, March 31, with final entries being accepted up to Sunday, May 16.

The walk, which covers 85 miles and takes in all the parishes of the Isle of Man, will be held on Saturday, June 19.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but organisers are optimistic this year’s walk will go ahead as planned.

Race director Ray Cox said: ’Although we may not be able to welcome walkers from overseas due to the ongoing border restrictions, we are anticipating a lot of demand from local competitors.

’The majority of last year’s entrants rolled their application over to this year and we know that many people are working towards the event as part of their personal fitness goals.

’Walking is a great exercise and one of the sports that can easily be practised during lockdown. Being out in the open is also good for our mental well-being as well as our physical health.

Gary Lamb, the chief executive officer of sponsor Manx Telecom, said: ’Around £600,000 was raised for charities as a result of the walk in 2019 and approximately £70,000 was invested back into the local economy by using local businesses as suppliers.

’The enduring appeal of the Manx Telecom Parish Walk is that is it open to everyone, whether you are just planning on tackling one or two stages or aiming to complete the whole course in record time.

’It’s an event that has wonderful community spirit, not only for those taking part but for those that support it including the thousands of spectators that come out to cheer the walkers on.’

Manx Telecom has been the Parish Walk’s title sponsor since 2012, having sponsored the official race timing and results service since 2007.

To register for the event go to www.parishwalk.com.