Nollaig ready for Dublin marathon

Nollaig Ni Mhathuna from Mullingar, who is representing Westmeath in this year's Dublin City Marathon in the 2012 SPAR SPARTAN Challenge, is now only one step away from achieving her marathon dream, having completed the Dublin Half Marathon in 2hrs 20min.Nollaig, along with the entire SPAR SPARTAN Challenge team, has never run a marathon before and has completed the entire Race Series in preparation for the marathon including the Irish Runner 5 mile, the Fingal 10km, The Frank Duffy 10 mile and the Dublin Half Marathon on September 16.On October 29, Nollaig and the 26-strong team of SPARTANs will line up for the final challenge in the race series, the 2012 Dublin Marathon, which will take them across the city testing their mental and physical stamina in the most gruelling challenge of their lives.The 26 marathon novices have being guided in their preparation by fitness guru Karl Henry (Operation Transformation) and nutrition expert Paula Mee who are spearheading the campaign.They have also taken part in a Chi-running workshop by former Olympian and triple marathon winner Catherina McKiernan.