Moore (l) and Waddington will both look to retain their titles in 2011

Reigning Scottish Widows Parish Walk champions Jock Waddington and Susan Moore will both look to defend their titles at June's 85-mile event.

In 2010, Waddington strode to his third consecutive title and he is well aware that victory this year would see him set a new record for the most wins.

"It is such an endurance challenge that anything can happen but to win four in a row is my aim," said Waddington.

Susan Moore claimed her first ladies' title in 2010, finishing 12th overall.

Moore has entered three Parish Walks but says this year she has taken her training to the next level.

"In 2010, I entered as a walker. Over the past 12 months, I've been been working with established race walkers and coaches to learn how to be a race walker," she said.

"Basically I've been learning how to do it properly.

"I still enjoy my walking but there is another level of pressure within myself, because I want to improve and know I am doing the best that I can. I don't do half-measures."

In 2010, Moore completed the 85-mile walk in a time of 17:44:13, placing her just outside the top 20 quickest women's times.

Peel's Janice Quirk set the current record of 15:58:35 in 2009, when she finished second to Waddington.

Meanwhile, Waddington won his third consecutive Parish Walk title in a time of 15 hours 18 minutes and five seconds. His time was the third-fastest in the event's history.

Waddington is only the third man in the event's history to win three successive titles. The only other men to achieve the feat were Willie Corkill (1985-7) and John Cannell (1981-3).

The six-time finisher is well aware of what victory in this year's event would mean.

"To win four would be massive. I will definitely be going for it, there is no point in messing about. I will give it my all but there is no telling what could happen on the day.

"I was thrilled to equal Willie and John's achievement last year but four would be groundbreaking. I think I could retire then and burn my shoes."

In 2010, over 1,700 signed-up with 133 finishing within the time limit. The 24-hour walking marathon will start at 0800 BST at the National Sports Centre on 25 June.

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