Manx News
Get the latest news from Manx.News
Wed, 21 Apr 2021
Manx Telecom Parish Walk will introduce a “Fanzone” at this year's event.
Preparations continue apace with organisers expecting one of the highest ever levels of participation following the cancellation of last year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The number of entries currently stands at 1,663, a record for this point in the year and registration remains open until midnight on Sunday 16th May 2021. The event itself takes place on Saturday 19th June, starting as usual at 08.00 from the NSC in Douglas and following the traditional 85-mile course around the Island.
Organisers have also announced that, due to the high numbers of people participating, there will be some amendments to the road closure orders to prevent congestion and keep walkers safe. In particular the road from the Round Table to Dalby will be closed to vehicular traffic between 12.30 and 17.00. However, additional feeding stations will be set up for walkers on this section and volunteers, including the Civil Defence, will be available to provide first aid and help any walkers needing to retire from the race between these points.
Meanwhile race walker supporters and spectators will be able to take advantage of a special free “Fanzone” being created at Knockaloe Farm in Patrick. As well as providing off-road parking, the Fanzone will enable people to keep track of competitors via big screen live video streaming as they pass through Dalby and at the Peel checkpoint. There will also be additional live timing points delivering updates from Dalby and Glen Maye. The Fanzone is being created by Peter Young of Event Management Solutions and will also feature a number of food and drink outlets to create a party atmosphere with the charity Victim Support providing an attraction for children.
There will also be some minor amendments to road closures in the north of the Island with one-way systems being put in place to help with the safety of walkers in the evening.
Race Director Ray Cox said the organisers were ever mindful of the increasing popularity of the Manx Telecom Parish Walk and the need to keep the route as safe as possible for participants, particularly in rural areas and on narrow roads. “The section from the Round Table to Patrick has become increasingly congested in recent years which is why we are implementing a road closure between the Round Table and Dalby for 2021. But the introduction of the Fanzone will mean that supporters, friends and family can stay in touch with the action as well as taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy some food and drink for a couple of hours whilst the walkers complete the section to Peel.
“We are grateful to the Royal Manx Show Society for allowing us to set up the Fanzone in such a great spot and to Peter Young at Event Management Solutions for all his help in organising it.”
Gary Lamb, CEO of Manx Telecom and principal sponsor of the Parish Walk, added: “I think everyone is looking forward to the return of the Parish Walk this year and it will be one of the first big community occasions as we get back to a more normal calendar of events for the Island.
“The creation of the Fanzone is a particularly exciting introduction. One of the very special aspects of the Parish Walk is the sense of community spirit and encouragement it brings out in others so it will be great to have a place for people to congregate and enjoy themselves while keeping the walkers safe on that particular stretch of the course.”
Fri, 29 Dec 2023
Fri, 29 Dec 2023
Fri, 29 Dec 2023
Fri, 29 Dec 2023
Fri, 29 Dec 2023
Thu, 28 Dec 2023
Thu, 28 Dec 2023
Thu, 28 Dec 2023
Wed, 27 Dec 2023
