THERE were aching legs, blistered feet and jubilation at the finishing post of the ninth annual Itex walk around the island on Saturday. More than 400 people took part in the gruelling 40-mile trek around the coast which kicked off from the White Hart at 4.45am and saw temperatures reach 25C.

‘The day has gone well, it was cooler than we expected,’ said organising committee chairman Chris Oliver.

‘The grit and determination on some peoples faces as they were nearing the end was just startling.’

The total of 406 starters was at least 30 more than last year.

Mr Oliver said that the great thing about the event was that people did not have to complete the whole course, they could do as much as they felt able to.

‘It was such a great turnout, so many people mucked in to make it happen.’

He said that St John’s Ambulance treated a variety of complaints along the way.

‘We had the usual splattering of incidents that you’d expect, but nothing serious. There were a few icepacks needed, lots of blisters and a few knees that needed to be strapped up.’

Representatives from the charities that were benefiting from the walkers’ efforts were at each of the checkpoints encouraging them and thanking them for their efforts.

Some were also at the Liberation monument to congratulate the walkers as they finished.

‘The charities have been superb this year – they have really spurred the walkers on,’ said Mr Oliver.

More than 4,000 half-litre bottles of water were drunk during the day.

Mr Oliver said that he hoped that the event would beat last year’s total of £40,000. In the morning, after everyone’s sponsorship money had been collected, there was already £32,000 with much more expected to pour in over the coming weeks.