A chat over a “brew in Tesco’s cafe” has inspired two siblings to open a shop dedicated to runners in Cottingham. Dawn Robinson and her younger brother, Lyndon Mahoney-Brown, are both competitive runners and saw a gap in the market for an independent store with a focus on running shoes.
Dawn had ordered some running shoes online. When they arrived, they were too small, and she could not arrange to get any replacements in the right size in time for a race she was running.
“We’d gone out for a run one morning and we had a brew in Tesco’s,” said Dawn. “We talked about how there wasn’t anywhere independent where you could buy running shoes locally – Lyndon was like, why don’t we have our own running shop?
“Then, Cadence Run Shop was born. Ever since then we have worked so hard to get all the big running brands on board; they loved our idea and agreed that there are no independent running stores in Hull.
“Alongside our run shop we will be hosting local run clubs for anyone of any ability. It doesn’t matter if you have never run before but want to start; or whether you are returning after injury; or maybe you are a mum wanting to return after having children; or even just for your mental health – absolutely everyone will be welcome.”
Cadence Run Shop launches at Hallgate, in Cottingham, on Saturday, May 9. It will be open daily, from 10am, closing at 5pm Monday to Wednesday, and Friday and Saturday; at 8pm on Thursdays (“to help after-work customers”) and 4pm on Sundays.
Dawn said: “Running for me is an outlet. When I run I feel like everything just feels better.
“I want to build a community-run club where people can come and just run and have no worries.”
Dawn’s husband, Mike, has fitted out the shop, where gait analysis will be offered to customers so they can be provided with the best shoes for effective running and injury prevention.There will be some clothing but the emphasis is on running shoes.
“We’re so excited,” Dawn said. “To think this was just after Christmas when we had this conversation; now we’re opening the shop.
“It will be me and Lyndon at first but hopefully we’ll need a lot more staff. There’s already been a lot of interest while we have been getting the shop ready.”
Find out more @cadencerunshop on social media platforms.