A GROUP of Barrow AFC supporters will be easing the pain of missing out on the National League play-offs by taking part in the K2B.

Twelve fans will be undertaking the challenge at the weekend, the majority of them for the first time.

One of those is former soldier Chris Altree from Barrow who explained how the idea came about.

"Last year a couple of friends did it - Allan Boyle was one of those - and thought it would be a good idea to do it under the Barrow banner this year; 12 months on and it's arrived.

"I've done half-marathons in the army but nothing like this. The views will be great but, 20 miles in, you won't be too concerned about the views."

Chris, 30, who now works as a signaller for Network Rail, said they had been sweating on the team making the play-offs, which would have fallen on the same weekend as the K2B, but being able to do the walk more than made up for footballing disappointment.

They will be walking in aid of two Barrow charities - Furness Homeless Shelter and Furness Mental Health Trust - plus, since a couple of the dozen taking part are from outside the town, a national cause, the British Heart Foundation.

They've no particular fundraising target in mind but hope to reach around £2,000, helped by raffling items at the Barrow player of the season evening.

Barrow sponsors, accountants JF Hornby, have also contributed to the overall total and cost of drinks and supplies en route.

"It's only blokes taking part," added Chris. "The women were asked but didn't want to do it - but they'll be in the support cars."

He's been doing plenty of walking in preparation for the event and, while he's confident of everyone finishing, is banking on two factors - kind weather and no mishaps.

"You can give it 100 per cent, but if you get a stone in your shoe... And I'm just hoping it's not too hot; a mild day, maybe a bit overcast."

Whatever the weather, there will be no mistaking the group of fans - they'll all be wearing their Barrow shirts.