Getting drastic on plastic at this year’s Manx Telecom Parish Walk

As we head towards the lighter evenings and more training time for this year’s Manx Telecom Parish Walk on 18^th June 2022, preparations for the event are moving apace.

With over 700 people already registered to take part and numbers growing every week, organisers have been particularly keen to focus on minimising the environmental impact of this hugely popular sporting occasion and find new “greener” ways of managing the logistics that support walkers and spectators on the day.

One key innovation this year will be the introduction of the SpeedCup, a lightweight reusable collapsible cup for every walker. This can be refilled with water from jugs at the feeding stations, then collapsed and carried easily by the walkers between each use.

The cups, which are being provided by sponsorship from local financial consultants Mann Made Group, will replace the thousands of single-use plastic bottles of water that have previously been given out at the event.

Race organiser Ray Cox said the cups will have a big impact on the amount of plastic used – and wasted – on the walk.

“Often walkers will grab a bottle of water and just take a few sips before throwing it away,” he said. “The SpeedCups have already been trialled on the End to End Walk and they have been used very successfully in races around the world, even in freezing conditions.

“Each one weighs just 10g and they last for many years so this is not just a one-off environmental investment, it will reduce plastic waste in the future as well.”

Gary Lamb, CEO of Manx Telecom, the main sponsor of the Parish Walk, said it was important steps were taken wherever possible to make such events more environmentally friendly.

“As a company, Manx Telecom strives to reduce emissions and minimise waste so we are right behind new ideas that reduce potential environmental impacts and create more sustainable practices in the many community events we support,” he added.

Mann Made Group Senior Group Financial Controller Paul Surgeon said the Mann Made Group was delighted to sponsor the SpeedCups at one of the Island's biggest sporting highlights, particularly as it combined the Group’s long-term commitment to the Isle of Man with helping to protect the environment.

“We are extremely pleased to support the Parish Walk with this initiative to cut down plastic waste on the day,” he added. “These cups are a great alternative being reusable, light and compact and we hope that the walkers take up this opportunity to assist with making the Parish Walk plastic-free in the coming years.” 

The SpeedCups will be distributed to walkers as part of their registration pack. This year, in another environmental initiative, walkers can also choose to decline the traditional Parish Walk T-shirt in lieu of a £5 donation to the Isle of Man Woodland Trust to plant a tree.

Registration will take place on Wednesday 15^th June and Thursday 16^th June at the National Sports Centre in Douglas between 17.30 and 19.30.

• Anyone wishing to enter the 2022 Manx Telecom Parish Walk should apply online at http://www.parishwalk.com. The final closing date for entries is 8^th May 2022.