Catherine Perry won the Under 21 title in this year’s Parish Walk, reaching Peel in a time of six hours, 31 minutes and eight seconds.
The 20-year-old, who turns 21 next month, crossed the finish line in the bright sunshine to secure the victory.
Speaking to Manx.News at the finish, Perry admitted the conditions made the challenge particularly difficult.
Perry is no stranger to success in the event, having previously won the girls’ race to Peel two years ago. She was forced to pull out last year, making this year’s achievement all the more significant.
“The year before I won it to Peel for the girls, but last year I did pull out, so it’s an achievement to get to here again,” she explained.
Despite her victory, Perry confessed her training regime had not been as rigorous as it perhaps should have been.
“I’m going to be honest, I haven’t done much training, like I’ve been on a few walks here and there, but not as much as I should have,” she said.
The athlete described the moment she approached the finish line as a “really great feeling” with the crowd cheering her on.
Looking ahead, Perry confirmed she intends to compete again next year now that she will be eligible for the senior competition.