Paul Atherton won the Manx Telecom Parish Walk for the first time on Saturday evening.

The 37-year-old completed the 85-mile round-island event in a time of 15 hours 23 minutes and 40 seconds to finish some 17m 43s ahead of reigning champion Liam Parker.

Union Mills footballer Simon Gawne livened up the race by leading from very early on after the 8am start at the National Sports Centre. Indeed, he led through Peel and up until the Ballaugh area where he was joined by Atherton and Parker.

Atherton then put the hammer down and gradually pulled clear of his rivals, with five-time winners Richard Gerrard and Robbie Callister calling it a day at Bride and Peel respectively.

From Jurby onwards, Atherton didn’t look back and he remained at the front of the race all the way back to the finish at Summerland on Douglas Promenade, with walkers completing an out-and-back loop to the Best Western Hotel as a result of the ongoing prom works.

Parker safely negotiated the 85 miles and was followed some nine minutes later by Noel Ash and Adam Killip who crossed the line together in a time of 15hrs 59m 26s, ahead of early leader Gawne in fifth place.

Completing the top six and clinching her maiden women’s title in superb style was Sammy Bowden in 16hr 38m 51s, with second going to Lorna Gleave in a fine 18th place overall.

Full reports, photographs and results in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner and Manx Independent, on sale Tuesday and Thursday respectively.