People who fancy taking part in a fundraising walk for charity are being urged to register now.

The 2019 Harbour2Harbour Walk takes place on Sunday, May 19.

Organisers hope last year’s record-breaking entry of 616 walkers will be surpassed, ensuring the fundraising exceeds the 2018 total of more than £6,000 for charities.

Participants of all ages and abilities will walk from the former Marine Biological Centre in Port Erin and finish in the town square at Castletown.

However, for those who prefer a shorter, flatter route and don’t wish to walk the full nine miles, there’s a second start from Port St Mary harbour to Castletown, which covers about six miles.

Event co-ordinator Janet Bridle says the coastal walk is a family-friendly fundraising event as opposed to a race/speed walk.

’This really is a fun event for the community, with a chance to enjoy a lovely morning walking through a beautiful part of the Island, with stunning views of the sea and countryside, while raising money for charity. It is open to all ages and abilities, so we hope to see lots of people on the day, and we’ll be giving walking tips on our Facebook page to help them prepare.

’Introducing a shorter route a few years back was a wonderful idea as the second half of that walk is mostly flat with just a few stiles to climb along Scarlett so we hope it will encourage even more people to sign up.

’It’s all about fun. Our lead cycling marshal will finish in around 1.45 hours so, while this isn’t a race, anyone walking at more than 5km per hour will need to check their own crossing points and be extra vigilant.’

For the fourth consecutive year, property developer Dandara is sponsoring the event, which has been running for six years in total, raising funds for three charities; Southern Community Initiatives (SCI), Men in Sheds and SPort Erin.

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, friendly bridge and board games, meditation, a thriving social fitness group and the very successful Men in Sheds project.

Janet Bridle, who is also SCI project co-ordinator, said: ’SCI provides a wonderful range of activities, tackling issues of loneliness and isolation head-on and bringing people together through thoughtful and well-researched community projects.

’Of course, this fundraising venture is only possible thanks to the support of volunteers, the local community and the Dandara Group. We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership and would like to thank the team for its ongoing commitment to the Harbour2Harbour walk.’

To enter or find out more about the event, e-mail: [email protected] call Janet on 838180.