21-05-2025
Sporting success for Cumbrian accountancy firm employees
Two Armstrong Watson employees have been celebrated for their sporting achievements.
Lauren Graham, audit and assurance director, from Carlisle, and Michael Morris, Newcastle audit partner, have both excelled in their respective sports.
Ms Graham, a seasoned Cumbrian fell runner, finished in second place in the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100km race, completing the course in 16 hours and 57 minutes.
Ms Graham, a seasoned Cumbrian fell runner, finished in second place in the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100km race (Image: Supplied) The race is considered one of the UK's toughest endurance challenges, covering more than 6,500m of elevation.
Ms Graham managed to execute the first half of the race well to take the lead going into 50km but hit a wall going up Snowden.
She 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, Mr Morris represented Great Britain at the 2025 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships in Pamplona, Spain, securing second place in his class.
He said: "It was possibly the hardest, but yet one of the most beautiful races I have ever competed in.
"The city is steeped in history and was simply stunning.
Michael Morris, Newcastle audit partner at Armstrong Watson, represented Great Britain at the 2025 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships in Pamplona, Spain (Image: Supplied) "Illness three weeks before the event set me back a little and that combined with the heat and the really hilly bike and run courses meant there was nothing left in the tank at all at the finish line.
"It was a relief to finish.
"Whilst my target was the gold – I really am pleased, relieved and grateful to have made the podium but the next time I go back to Pamplona, it will be for a far more leisurely trip."
Both Ms Graham and Mr Morris are set to compete as part of Armstrong Watson's UK Challenge 2025 team later this summer.
Michael Morris in Pamplona for the 2025 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships (Image: Supplied) The event, set in the Lake District from July 10 to 13, will see more than 80 corporate teams from across the UK compete.
Joanna Gray, head of audit and assurance, said: "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."
In addition to their upcoming participation in the UK Challenge 2025, both Ms Graham and Mr Morris have further sporting events lined up.
Mr Morris is set to take on the 70.3 World Championships in Marbella in November, while Ms Graham has qualified for the CCC next August - the UTMB world finals.
In their day jobs as audit and assurance leaders, Ms Graham and Mr Morris require resilience, strategy, and an ability to perform under pressure, qualities they both hold in abundance.
