Isle of Man Parish Walk: Everything you need to know

The Isle of Man's largest mass participation community event will take place next weekend.

The annual Parish Walk sees people walk against the clock to complete the 85-mile (137km) route within a strict 24-hour time limit.

More than 1,200 people are expected to take on the gruelling feat in the hope of completing all - or part - of the course.

Many will be raising money for local charities.

In a change to previous years, registration for the event will only be held on one day.

It will take place on Wednesday in the Secondary Hall at the National Sports Centre (NSC) in Douglas between 17:00 and 21:00 BST.

Organisers have asked for those taking part to be dropped off at the NSC since there is only limited on-site parking.

A "bag drop" service will be in place so walkers can have their belongings transported to the finishing lines in Rushen and Peel free of charge.

A free shuttle bus will also be running between 15:30 and 18:30 on Saturday to allow supporters to travel to Peel and then back to Douglas with competitors who finish in the western town.

Setting off from the running track at the NSC at 08:00 on Saturday, the route takes walkers through each of the island's 17 parishes, beginning with Braddan.

It then makes its way though Marown, Santon, Malew, Arbory, Rushen, and Patrick before reaching Peel, where the race ends for those under 21.

Others will continue through Kirk Michael, Ballaugh, Jurby, Bride, Andreas, Lezayre, Maughold, Lonan and Onchan before reaching the finish line on Douglas Promenade.

There will be feeding stations and toilets positioned at locations along the route.

Wearing headphones is banned, while anyone caught running or jogging will be disqualified.

The provision of pacing by driving, cycling or walking with a competitor is also not allowed.

Time penalties and "red cards" can be handed out to anyone breaking the rules.

There is a cut-off point to reach each parish church along the route, and anyone arriving after the relevant checkpoint's closure will have to withdraw.

The checkpoint at Rushen will remain open beyond the cut off-of 13:35 for finishers only, with the same arrangement in Peel for those arriving after 17:00.

The finish line will close at 08:00 on Sunday.

Rolling road closures will be in place to keep the walkers safe, with a one-way system in the direction of the course in place at Bulgham, in Maughold, for a time on Saturday evening.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.