Sarah's marathon task

25-year-old Sarah Ross, originally from Dungannon qualified as a vet from Liverpool University in 2008 and has been working at Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic for the past 18 months.

Speaking to the Sentinel after the marathon, Sarah revealed that she completed the course in a more than respectable 4 hours and 16 mins.

"I am as stiff as a poker, but for taking on a marathon for the first time I am more than happy," she said.

When asked if her initial taste of the ultimate athletic feat would prompt her into having another go she said: "Ask me that again next week when the pain goes away!

"It was a great atmosphere and we had great weather, although the race was very tough. However, the feeling of achievement far exceeds the pain."

Sarah took on her gruelling task in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK and she told the Sentinel: "My mum, Gwen Ross, is Chairperson of Cancer Research, Dungannon Branch and she is really committed to raising money for this great cause.

"Due to work commitments I just don;t have the time to follow in her footsteps but seeing as I'm youngish and able bodied in decided that running the Marathon, would be or rather should be an attainable goal!

"Cancer research is the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer and their research has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival rates for cancer double in the last thirty years. With one in three of us expected to contract cancer at some point in our lifetimes, I really think it is a worthwhile cause.

Sarah admits that she would not consider herself to be a runner, making her efforts all the more admirable.

"I hadn't run since sports day at school. Training hasn't fitted in very well with work. Due to the out of hours cover we provide there is a lot of night work and we work every other weekend. I have done all my training during any free time I have, which has meant ridiculously early starts and well as late night runs in the dark. The snow and frost this winter made for less inviting conditions, but thankfully it is a lot more pleasant to be out and about these days," said Sarah.

Taking on a 26 mile road race for the first time is a daunting prospect, but Sarah maintained that she had a point of inspiration. Speaking to the Sentinel, Sarah said: "As far an inspirational figures go, I have to mention Major Phil Packer. Having been left a paraplegic following a rocket attack in Iraq, Phil defied the odds by completing last year's London Marathon. He did this just one month after he started using crutches and it took him 13 days. This year he completed his the same distance in just 26 hours, having walked around the clock to complete his goal. It is impossible not be impressed by this display of human courage.

"Slightly less impressively, Katie Price-aka Jordan-finished her marathon attempt in 7 hours and 11 minutes. Good on her. Although, I was absolutely determined to better this time and I really thought I should as I do not have the extra ‘chest luggage’ that she does!

“I suppose a stubborn streak has served me well and since deciding I would give this marathon a go I have taken to the roads and built my mileage up over time. It would be an exaggeration, or more accurately a bare faced lie to say I enjoy running, but the more you do the better the sense of achievement. As a wise woman once said ‘no pain , no gain.’ “

Whilst the marathon may be completed sponsorship can still be given at www.runningsponsorme.og/sarahross7.