O'Leary to run final leg of 32 marathon challenge

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is to run a half marathon in the 32 marathon challenge with Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw when they return home to Mullingar for the final leg next Monday, August 2.The two local men have been raising awareness and collecting monies for the organisation Irish Autism Action with their 32 marathons across 32 counties in 32 days challenge.They will also make a donation to the Irish Cancer Society.One hundred and fifty people living locally have now registered online to run, or walk alongside, the boys and Michael O'Leary in the final leg of the challenge in Mullingar which begins in the Town Park at 10am. And the good news is there is still time for people to show their support and take part in the marathon by registering on the website www.32marathons.com or going along on the morning to the Annebrook House Hotel, where registration begins from 8.30 am.The course will start in Mullingar Town Park, for a 13.1 mile loop out to Belvedere House and Gardens and back to town. Participants can decide to do one loop for the half-marathon, or two loops for a full marathon.However if you can't take part, why not go along to the Town Park from lunchtime onwards, to cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line for the There will also be music to celebrate the end of the challenge.Tom Duffy, brother of Gerry Duffy, says he is looking forward to the pair returning home and urged people, once again, to get involved:"We're so proud of them, they are raising massive awareness for Autism all across Ireland.Two Mullingar men have set a new standard really, and shown people that no matter what they set their minds to in life, they can achieve," commented Tom Duffy."We are trying to get the people of Mullingar to come out and support their local heroes.People can still get involved in the marathon by registering online or on Monday morning.People can either run or walk the distance, whichever they feel comfortable with. It's just one final push that will make all the difference to the charities the lads are raising money for," he said.