The 2009 race starts from the National Sports Centre in Douglas at 0800 BST

Over 1600 walkers will line-up for the start of the 2009 Parish Walk at the National Sports Centre in Douglas on Saturday.

The record field of 1,621 will get underway at 0800 BST and race organiser Raymond Cox is delighted with the event's growing popularity.

Cox told BBC Isle of Man: "We're delighted to receive such a terrific entry for this year's event.

"We've got everything crossed that the conditions are good."

Competitors have 24 hours to complete the 85-mile course which visits all 17 parish churches around the island and finishes on Douglas Promenade.

In 2008, Jock Waddington took the title in monsoon-like conditions recording a time of 15 hours 44 minutes 43 seconds.

There is a terrific field this year, so what ever happens I'm sure it will be a great race 2008 Champion, Jock Waddington

Civil servant Waddington said: "I was over the moon to win last year and I'll give everything I've got to win again this year.

"There are so many variables on a race of this length but I've got a time in mind for Saturday and I'll stick to my plan and hopefully get a good result.

"There is a terrific field this year, so what ever happens I'm sure it will be a great race."

Sue Biggart was the first woman home and fifth overall in an excellent time of 16:42:09.

Biggart holds six of the seven best times for a female parish walker.

A total of 121 walkers completed the 85-mile route in 2008.

David Whittam was the final walker to cross the line at 0754 BST, just five minutes and 53 seconds off a day after setting off.

Robbie Callister will be out to equal John Cannell's record of six wins but the walk's fastest ever man Sean Hands will not be taking part this year.

It's difficult to sit by and watch other people taking part, so this year I wanted to be involved again Six-time winner John Cannell

Six-time winner Cannell, whose last victory came in 1994, will return to race this year after six years said: "The Parish Walk is the toughest course I have ever done, much tougher than some of the 100-mile competitions.

"It's difficult to sit by and watch other people taking part, so this year I wanted to be involved again."

As well as the elite competitors, many enter for fun or to raise money for charity although it is a recognised race and is subject to standard race-walking rules.

Entrants also have the option of finishing at any stage but typical targets are Rushen after 19 miles or Peel after 32 miles.

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