More than 1,300 take on 48 miles of round-Island walk

More than 1,300 take on 48 miles of round-Island walk

The 48.1-mile State Street Island Walk officially began at 3 am on Saturday at Elizabeth Ferry Terminal. Formerly known as the ITEX Walk, the charity challenge is now in its 28th year and has raised more than £2 million since it started in 1991.

It is thought that this year’s event will bring in approximately £100,000.

The organisers confirmed that of the 1,304 walkers taking part, approximately 85 per cent finished the course.

Jake Crichton, trustee of the walk, said that he started walking at 2 am and reached the finish line at the Waterfront at 12:30 pm on Sunday.

Mr Crichton, who has been involved in organising the walk for ten years, said that people were often euphoric to have completed the challenge and to have seen the Island from different vantage points and angles.

‘So many Islanders, even those who have lived here their entire lives, may never have had the time to see the Island from the viewpoints you get along the route.

‘Everyone always says that they cannot get over how beautiful the coastline is.’

Walkers were motivated to keep going by cheering supporters, including several Islanders who had taken it upon themselves to set up refreshments tables outside of their homes.

Walkers were also able to enjoy a 6 am breakfast at St Catherine’s Breakwater.

Organisers said that they were not aware of any serious injuries during this year’s event, adding, however, that in addition to blisters and sore legs, it was typical for people to suffer swollen ankles after tripping on the north-coast footpaths.

Technological advances have meant that organisers are now able to track the approximate location of walkers as they tag in through what are now digital checkpoints along the route. Among the main charities which will benefit from the walk are the JSPCA, Beresford Street Kitchen, Air Training Corps and Brighter Futures.

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