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Sue Booth and Helena Deeney

TWO Ilkley mums who teamed up to train for a mountain marathon run have joined forces in a business selling outdoor sports clothing designed specially for women.

Sue Booth and Helena Deeney say their experience of competing in a tough 24-mile run over three mountains has given them a thorough grounding in the types of outdoor clothing ideally suited to female walkers and sportswomen.

While many manufacturers of outdoor clothing and sportswear continue to market gear designed for the male physique but in smaller sizes as 'womenswear', Mrs Booth and Mrs Deeney claim their new online store, BeOutdoors, deals exclusively in hiking, running, cycling and triathlon wear ideal for women.

Mrs Deeney said: "As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we have been disappointed with the range of outdoor activity clothing available for women. We know that suppliers offer lots more than is generally available, and want to provide women with a greater choice.

They both competed in the physically demanding world class Three Peaks Race, testing both their fitness and their sports gear to the limit over Yorkshire peaks Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.

Mrs Booth said : "We wanted products that were both stylish and technical and have spent a lot of time carefully selecting items from the best suppliers that will maximise performance and be multifunctional.

"It's basically clothing you can rely on in the worst conditions on the hills but which also looks great for a trip into town."

Mrs Deeney, 39, and Mrs Booth, 41, have both been members of Ilkley Harriers running club, but met through local primary school life. Mrs Deeney's children attend All Saints Primary School and Mrs Booth's child attends Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.

They began going running together and did their first mountain marathon last year.

The two sportswomen found they struggled most with getting good outdoor kit suited to women, however, and realised there was a gap in the market.

BeOutdoors is to sponsor the Ilkley Triathlon in September. The conpany's website can be found at (www.beoutdoors.co.uk).

8:17am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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