Warrington lawyers race to the finish line for charity

A team of legal experts swapped running Warrington’s go-to law firm for pounding the streets at the town’s annual running festival.

Six employees from Watsons Solicitors, which sponsored the event for the second straight year, joined thousands of people ranging from elite athletes to charity fundraisers across a variety of distances.

The Warrington Running Festival welcomed close to 3,400 participants in its 5km, 10km, half-marathon, and junior races, all in support of St Rocco’s Hospice.

And Latham Parry, managing partner and employment law specialist, was the first member of the Watsons team across the finish line, completing his 5km race in just 26 minutes and 30 seconds.

Joining Latham on the 5km distance was partner and residential conveyancing solicitor Chris Illingworth, partner and head of the family department Catrin Parry, and paralegals Vicky Leonard, Nicola Bartrop, and Darcey Moore.

Fellow colleagues Danny Hudson, partner and member of the family team, and Anne Williams, also a member of the family team, provided moral support and encouragement to all runners, handing out key supplies including water and energy snacks.

Chris, who ran the half-marathon last year, said: “Sponsoring the Warrington Running Festival again was a no brainer for Watsons Solicitors. 

“The event aligns perfectly with our goal to truly be at the heart of the community, and our backing helped keep the cost of entry low to increase accessibility.

“After two of us participated last year, I was thrilled that more of the   Watsons team donned their trainers to complete the course. 

“We’ve had an active WhatsApp group in the lead up to the event, helping people to overcome any excuses they may have searched for, and the aim is to keep the momentum going. 

“Maybe next year we’ll see more make the step up to 10k!”

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.