Two university friends from Australia have arrived on the island to take part in this weekend’s Parish Walk.
Caitlin Courtie, 20, a chemical engineering student, spent her early childhood in Douglas before moving to Perth in 2011.
Emma Poznovia, also 20 and studying psychology, is visiting the island for the first time.
The pair are staying with Caitlin’s brother Ryan, who returned to the Isle of Man after emigrating 14 years ago.
To prepare for the challenging terrain, Caitlin adjusted her gym machine to simulate the gradient of the Sloc, as there are few hills near their home in Perth.
The pair were drawn to the event after hearing about its history from Caitlin’s family.
Her father Carl, nanna Margaret Brown, and sister-in-law Jasmine have all previously taken part, while her aunt Carolyn Brown completed the full 85-mile walk in 2004.
Caitlin and Emma hope to reach Peel, the 32-mile mark and the maximum distance permitted for walkers under 21.
After the event, Caitlin will stay on the island to visit family, while Emma plans to explore France and London before returning to Australia.
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