Registration for the Harbour2Harbour Walk is now open.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 16, at 10am in Castletown Square.

Participants will walk along the southern coast, finishing at the former Marine Biological Centre in Port Erin.

The organisers are again staging a second start at Port St Mary for those who prefer a shorter route.

Entry costs £12.50 for adults or £7.50 for under 18s and over 60s.

Registrations can be made online at www.hubclubsci.im/harbour2harbourentry

The event will raise funds for Southern Community Initiatives (SCI), sPort Erin and Rushen Ambulance.

In the event that it is unable to go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions, an alternative will be held which will challenge participants to complete the nine-mile distance at their own pace between Friday, May 14, and Monday, May 24.

Event coordinator Ruth Martin said: ’Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, we have been working extra hard to ensure that the 2021 Harbour2Harbour Walk can go ahead safely.

’Now in its seventh year, it has become a highlight of the Manx calendar year for many and with just four weeks to go, we are excited to open entries and officially start the countdown.

’We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Dandara and would like to thank the team for its ongoing commitment to the Harbour2Harbour Walk, particularly after such a challenging year. It really wouldn’t be possible without its generous support.’

Dandara marketing manager Angela Beresford added: ’The Harbour2Harbour Walk is a fantastic event for the whole community and we’re excited to be supporting it again in 2021. 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 causes.

’After such a challenging few months with the local lockdown, it will be good to give people something to look forward to and get out and about in the great Manx outdoors, something that can do wonders for both your physical and mental wellbeing.’

Anyone that has returned to the Isle of Man on or after April 18, has received a positive Covid-19 test result or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive on or after this date, will not be able to take part.

In the five years that Dandara has sponsored the Harbour2Harbour Walk, more than £21,000 has been raised for the charities.