Entries open for annual 24-hour endurance walk

Entries have opened for the Isle of Man's annual 24-hour endurance walk that sees participants visit all 17 parishes.

The 2026 Parish Walk will take place on 20 June and is open for all abilities to complete either part or all of the 85-mile (137km) walk.

The event attracts about 1,000 participants each year and sees people line the route in villages and towns to cheer them on.

Organiser Raymond Cox said for many, entering creates a goal to work towards in the new year.

Mr Cox, who completed the route in 1994 and has been organising the event for the past 30 years, said: "With the new year approaching, many people are thinking about personal challenges and goals.

"We can't wait to see the community come together once again for this extraordinary event."

The full route will see participants starts at the National Sports Centre, in Douglas, before skirting around the whole of the island and finishing back in the capital on the promenade.

The Parish Walk has been held annually since 1960, with the admission of 1965 and 1966 yet the idea for the race was mooted back in the late 19th Century.

John Cannell of Douglas thought of the idea to touch the doors of all 17 Parish churches on the island on horseback and in 1852 he was said to have completed the then 90-mile (145km) challenge in under 15 hours.

Last year's event was won by Dean Morgan who completed the route - on foot - in 15 hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds.

Gary Lamb of event sponsors Manx Telecom said the event was "a highlight of the Manx summer", which brought together walkers, supporters and the wider community.

"Each year the Parish Walk showcases the incredible spirit of the island," he added.

Entrants have until 00:00 GMT 20 May 2026 to register their place for next year's event.

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