Nollaig Nollaig Ní Mhathuna is the Westmeath Spartan for 2012.

Nollaig Nollaig Ní Mhathuna from Mullingar has been chosen to represent Westmeath in the 2012 Dublin City Marathon, having won the popular vote in the 2012 Spar Spartan Challenge.

Building on the success of last year's Spartan Challenge Spar has recruited one representative from every county in the Republic of Ireland to form a 26-strong team of Spartans to prepare for and compete in the five events of which it is an official partner - the four 2012 Dublin Marathon Race Series events and the Dublin Marathon on October 29.

The first of these events is the Irish Runner 5 mile in the Phoenix Park on June 30.

The 26 marathon novices will be guided in their preparation by fitness guru Karl Henry (Operation Transformation) and nutrition expert Paula Mee who are spearheading the campaign.

Each Spartan will receive a fitness programme from Karl Henry, a tailored nutrition programme from Paula Mee as well as full running equipment.

Those who wish to follow Nollaig's progress and blog updates can do so via the website www.spartanchallenge.ie or by visiting Spar's Facebook page.

The Spartan Challenge website also includes motivational, fitness and nutrition videos from the expert panel and will be updated weekly with new content so that anyone can follow the programme.

The Spartan judged to have most fully embraced all aspects of the challenge will win a trip for two to New York to spectate at the New York City marathon on November 4.

Spar also aims to drive awareness and support for its charity of the year the 3Ts - Turning the Tide of Suicide. The 3Ts aims to heighten awareness of the problem of suicide in Ireland and to raise funds to help lower suicide rates through a dedicated suicide prevention helpline 1 Life (Free phone 1800 247 100), research, educational support and intervention. The 1Life service is provided through a partnership involving the 3Ts and Console.

Spar is a partner of the Dublin Race Series and Marathon. Upcoming events:

• Irish Runner 5 Mile, Phoenix Park, Saturday June 30

• Fingal 10k, Swords, Sunday July 22

• Frank Duffy 10 Mile, Phoenix Park, Saturday August 25

• Dublin Half Marathon, Phoenix Park, Saturday September 15

• Dublin Marathon, Monday October 29