Two members of Armstrong Watson are being celebrated for their outstanding achievements in elite sporting events.
Audit and assurance director Lauren Graham, of Carlisle, who is a seasoned Cumbrian fell runner, has conquered one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges – the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100km race.
Finishing in second place with an impressive time of 16 hours and 57 minutes, Lauren demonstrated relentless perseverance taking on the gruelling course which covers more than 6,500m of elevation.
She managed to execute the first half of the race well to take the lead going into 50km but says she hit a wall going up Snowden for the second time.
Lauren said: “I entered the UTS 100k knowing both the training and the race would be tough and knowing how much I could grow by being pushed to new limits.
“I love training and love any opportunity to learn, and this race did not disappoint. The course was brutal, yet beautiful. At 80k, I was cramping up badly, but the support from my Cumbrian girls at the assisted checkpoint gave me the motivation and determination to push through and get the job done.
“You just need to find something to keep going and you can still make that finish line. I believe the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Meanwhile, Michael Morris, Newcastle audit partner, represented Great Britain on the international stage at the 2025 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships in Pamplona, Spain. Competing against world-class athletes, Michael also secured second place in his class.
Head of audit and assurance, Joanna Gray, added: “At Armstrong Watson, we understand that success is forged through dedication, teamwork and continuous improvement – values that Lauren and Michael both exemplify in their respective sports and their leadership in audit. We congratulate them on their remarkable achievements.”
Lauren and Michael will be competing as part of Armstrong Watson’s UK Challenge 2025 team. The event, in the Lake District from July 10 to 13, will see more than 80 other corporate teams from across the UK compete.
Michael is then due to take on the 70.3 World Championships in Marbella in November, while Lauren has qualified for the CCC next August – the UTMB world finals and one of the most prestigious races in the world.
