Day 7
The Parish Walk celebrates its 100th anniversary today.
"At 10 pm on Wednesday 28 May 1913, twelve men started the Parish Walking Match to each of the Isle of Man’s 17 Parish Churches. The only prescribed route from the start at the Palace Ballroom on Douglas Promenade was via Broadway, York Road to the Quarter Bridge and Braddan Church. Thereafter the entrants could choose their own course between churches and back to Douglas. Harry Bridson was the first of just four walkers who covered the estimated 79 miles."
"100 years, 24 days and 10 hours later, around 1,500 walkers will commence a similar challenge. The distance is now fixed at 85 miles with a few course changes over the years to accommodate the increased levels of participation. The printed results and stories are still in demand but much of the information is almost instantaneous. Radio stations broadcast from the start and throughout the 24 time limit, mobile phone technology will allow spectators to share stories and photos on social media sites and around 30 minutes after the flag has dropped the first photos of the walkers will be available to download."
Today's competitors often use the opportunity to raise money for charity. "Safe, Strong, Secure (3S)" is a charity which seeks to provided to people who are, or have been, dealing with domestic abuse. One of the 3S team is Will Brown; he hopes to be one of the top finishers in the under 21s. he came in first place, winning the under-21 section of the competition.
3S hopes to raise money, but also raise awareness of domestic abuse. "We want abuse to be no longer a shameful secret that is hidden away, but something the Isle of Man agrees is no longer acceptable."
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