STEVE Tilson is hoping his side can go the distance in the race for promotion and the Blues boss has the same aspirations for Sunday's Flora London Marathon.

The Seasiders chief, whose team are at home to Northampton Town tomorrow, will be joined by his assistant Paul Brush around the gruelling the 26.2-mile course in the capital.

But, after suffering a foot injury during training, Tilson will be happy just to reach the finishing line.

"When we first started with the running the aim was to finish in under four hours 40 minutes," said the 41-year-old.

"Then the injury came along and now it's just making sure I get round. I haven't done any running at all for a couple of weeks because I needed to rest it and not make it any worse, and hopefully that's done the trick.

"I must be mad to be doing it again but this will definitely be the last one I do so hopefully it goes well."

Tilson successfully got round in 2006 and has happier memories of the occassion than Brush who endured a painful performance 10 years ago.

"I had to virtually walk the last nine miles because I got severe cramp," he said.

"I ran the Brentwood half marathon last month so that's given me confidence but I have always suffered from cramp and I've got to have enough food and drink on the journey for me to get through."

Tilson, Brush and the club's physiotherapist John Stannard are all taking part to raise money for Livability, who were formerly known as the Shaftesbury Society.

"They support special needs teenagers in residential colleges and my step-son Danny attends their Nash College in Kent," said Brush.

"I have seen some of the work that they do and it is very humbling and uplifting."

Sponsorship forms are available in reception at Roots Hall but that is not the end of the Shrimpers' involvement on the day.

Reserve team manager Dean Austin is also taking part for the Willow Foundations, while the Echo's Blues reporter Chris Phillips is running for Thundersley's Little Havens children's hospice.

Austin is struggling with a calf problem though and is fearing the worst.

"I'm not looking forward to it," he said.

"I will be there and I will do it no matter what, even if I have to walk for 26 miles.

Austin can also be sponsored through the forms at Blues' reception, while Phillips can be backed online at www.justgiving.com/christopherphillips1