Organisers of the Isle of Man End-2-End walk have revealed that the 2010 race will have the largest field in the event's history.

More than 400 race walkers will tackle the gruelling 39.5 mile course between the Point of Ayre and The Sound on Sunday 26 September.

Organiser Jock Waddington said: "We are delighted that so many people are up for the challenge."

The elite walkers will aim to complete the course in under seven hours.

Jock Waddington said: "75% of people doing the walk are new entrants this year. A lot of them have done the Parish Walk over the summer and get bitten by the walking bug and have a go at more long distance walking event."

The event is held on long stretches of paved roads passing through Bride, Jurby and Peel before climbing up to Cregneash in the south of the Island and ending at the Sound.

Manx Harriers' Michael George from Douglas is the defending champion and has been training hard over the summer, finishing third in the Parish Walk.

Hot on his heels will be Yorkshire's Richard Spenceley and Isle of Man Veteran's Jock Waddington.

In the women's race Manx Harrier Bernie Ball is the favourite to take the title.

Manx athlete Sean Hands holds the current record set at six hours 44 minutes and six seconds in 2008.

Athletes can register for the event on Friday 24 September between 1700 and 2030 BST at Manx Harrier Club House at NSC.

The race will start at the Point of Ayre at 0800 BST on 26 September.

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