Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) is launching a new scheme which aims to motivate people to take more exercise by setting themselves a target to complete the 11 miles to Santon in the 2019 Manx Telecom Parish Walk.
On Wednesday 12 September 2018, MSR will hold the first ‘Progression to Parish’ session which is the start of a weekly programme for anyone who wants to get more active and take up walking.
This new MSR programme is designed for people who aren’t currently taking a lot of exercise and encourages them to make a leap from the sofa to Santon.
The aim is to help participants build up their walking fitness gradually, with the ultimate goal of walking to Santon's parish church in the Manx Telecom Parish Walk in June 2019.
Cathy Collins, Marketing Communications Manager at Manx Telecom, said:
'Walking is a great exercise for all ages and abilities, and we’re delighted to see that the Manx Telecom Parish Walk is being used to inspire more people to get active. We thank Manx Sport and Recreation for developing this great initiative, and wish everyone who takes part the best of luck in reaching their goals in next year’s event.'
Ann Corlett MHK, Member for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, said:
'Many Islanders set themselves the ambitious target of taking part in the world famous Parish Walk and this new scheme is a great way to commit to taking part in the 2019 event.
'This builds on the success of schemes such as ‘Couch to 5K’ – with a uniquely Manx twist. As with everything MSR does, the training will provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere for people of a range of abilities.'
No reservation is necessary, those who are interested can just turn up at the Isle of Man Sports Institute at the National Sports Centre (NSC) at 5:45pm on 12 September 2018. The session will commence at 6pm following registration and a straight-forward health check questionnaire.
The first session takes place on the NSC running track. All participants must wear hi-viz vests which will be provided. Suitable trainers and kit is helpful but not essential.
In the following weeks the sessions will then progress to take in different routes and distances. There will be fitness coaches available to offer advice and support, and information about how the scheme will progress up to the 2019 Manx Telecom Parish Walk. Each session costs just £1 per person.
For more information call Lesley Patterson on 686852 or email lesley.patterson@gov.im.
