A SPECIALIST running store is going the extra mile to make sure athletes have all the support and equipment they need.

While competitive activities have been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, running is something people can do as part of their essential daily exercise.

And Run Unlimited, at Low Prudhoe, is there to look after them. For the business, run by Seamus and Holly Kelleher, is far more than just a shop.

The well-known local couple are both runners and athletics coaches, which is key to the service they provide.

They stock brands which have been meticulously selected to enhance running performance, and they are all brands which have been used and approved by the couple themselves.

Seamus explained: "People can run at the moment and we've put on a couple of initiatives to encourage them to do that.

"Online we've launched running plans for beginners and intermediates, because we want to help them to make the most of their progress and reduce the risk of injury."

Seamus said new runners can sometimes pick up an injury which could put them off the sport.

He added: "If this happens you might thing 'running is not for me', when really you might just have the wrong footwear.

"It is vitally important to have the right footwear. It can make all the difference, and we can offer the right advice."

Under the latest lockdown restrictions, people are allowed to exercise individually with one person from another household.

Seamus and Holly are prepared to coincide their individual exercise with runners who are in need of coaching or support, while strictly observing social distancing.

"We just want everyone to know that we're here for them," said Seamus.

"Unfortunately we can't have people browsing in the shop, but we're offering an online service as well as click and collect."

The Kelleher's are currently running a competition where people are encouraged to go on runs, and take selfies with named landmarks for a particular day, such as a war memorial or a telephone box.

Points are at stake, with a pair of specialist running trainers for both male and female winners, sponsored by Greener Miles Running Ltd, based at High Spen, Rowlands Gill.

Seamus and Holly opened Run Unlimited in early March last year, just weeks before the first national lockdown.

For more information visit the Run Unlimited page on Facebook.