BURY athlete Karl Tomany had a one-in-a-million running mate to help him in his preparations for the Great North Run.

For putting the 28-year-old through his paces ahead of Sunday’s event was Susan Partridge.

She finished top British female in last year’s Virgin London Marathon and recently competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Karl qualified for a pre-race training session with PUMA-sponsored athlete Susan after entering an online competition with retailer Start Fitness to win a place in the Great North Run.

His prize included a pair of running shoes, a race outfit and free entry to the event.

Karl said: “I’ve always kept fit and have played a lot of weekend football. But I’ve decided to go back to running because I enjoy it.”

Karl was one of eight competition winners who had the chance to train with Susan in Newcastle and to benefit from her expertise and advice.

Susan said: “I’ve been showing them how to prepare and what little things they can do to make sure they are fully ready. And the weather can have a big impact.”

The Great North Run course is 13.1 miles from Newcastle, across the Tyne Bridge and on to the coast in South Shields.