New record set in Isle of Man Parish Walk

Richard Gerrard set a new record

The man who won last year's Manx Telecom Parish Walk has won the endurance event for the second year running and set a new record.

Richard Gerrard completed the 85-mile (137km) race in 14 hours, 40 minutes and eight seconds.

Only 175 of the 1,500 walkers who started completed the distance inside the 24 hour time limit.

Vet Edmund Shillabeer, 75, from Plymouth succeeded in his bid to be the oldest person to complete the walk.

Mr Gerrard beat his nearest rival Michael George by six minutes.

Mr Shillabeer, who runs his own veterinary practice in Plymouth, made his Parish Walk debut in 2009 at the age of 69 and finished 17th.

The annual event, in which participants visit all 17 of the island's parishes, was first held in 1923.

The race began from the National Sports Centre on Saturday.

Walkers had the option of pulling out at any stage but typical targets are Rushen after 19 miles or Peel after 32 miles.

Race director Ray Cox said: "It is a real community event which shows the Isle of Man in its truest and best light."