People

“The reason I am taking part in the Parish Walk this year is simple. I could not resist the challenge. It's all about the challenge and of course I am curious about whether or not I can still make it round the course. And if I do, what sort of time I can do.

"The Parish Walk is the toughest course I have ever done. It's much tougher than some of the 100 mile competitions because of the terrain. It’s difficult to sit by and watch other people taking part. This year I wanted to be involved again. It’s such a fantastic event and I couldn’t resist the challenge!

“Look at how many entries there are nowadays… 1600 people! It’s unbelievable really. When I last did it there was probably about three or four hundred people taking part. It’s so fantastic. It really is.

“Year’s ago we’d go out training and people would jeer at us. We got a lot of stick in those days. Now when you train for the Parish walk you meet so many other people doing exactly the same thing. It is completely accepted now and I think that is absolutely brilliant.

John Cannell in the lead

“People are training all through the year because there are so many other events on like the End to End walk. I think it’s fantastic that everyone is keeping fit these days. And walking is something everyone can do. It’s not an exclusive sport.

“I started training in November last year and then I had a break over Christmas. Unfortunately I sprained my ankle in February which put me out of action for 3 months which meant I couldn’t train again until April. I usually do about six days a week and I am hoping that will carry me through.

“Some of the guys who do the Parish Walk are incredible. People like Robbie Callister, Jock Waddington and Sean Hands- the times they are doing are fantastic. You have to take your hat off to them, they are absolutely fantastic. I admire anyone who can finish the walk, let alone get those sorts of finishes.

“At the moment my record of 6 wins still stands but Robbie only needs to be first over the line on Saturday night to equal me. We’ll have to see what he does. He’s a star and I hope he has a good walk.

“I’m walking for the Hospice this year. I’ve got loads of people sponsoring me, someone’s offered me £100 so I’m going to have to finish. No pressure!