Lawyers’ tie their laces in preparation for Chariots

For the 22nd consecutive year dozens of lawyers, from leading regional law firm Hewitsons, will be donning their running gear to take part in Chariots of Fire on Sunday 22nd September.

Amongst the anticipated 2000 plus runners expected to compete in the annual charitable relay race will be four teams from the event organisers and a multitude of volunteers. 

The mixed ability of Hewitsons’ teams is a reflection of the event, from keen and experienced runners to those who are participating purely to raise money for this year’s good cause. The Hewitsons ‘A team’, is being captained by Matthew Neave, a Tax Manager in the Private Client team and who is this year planning on holding a time trial for Hewitsons employees to select his runners. 

According to Matthew: “Each year we get closer and closer to completing the course in under an hour, but this year we are throwing everything at it!” And the 1.7 mile course should hold no fear to some other Hewitsons runners, who are regulars on the half marathon and marathon circuit. One runner, Sarah Evershed, only last month completed a 69 mile run from Carlisle to Newcastle in only two days! Captain of Hewitsons ‘The Red Rockets’ team Colin Jones, a Partner within the Construction Team, said: “I have run in almost every Chariots of Fire race since its inception, and while I don’t plan to break any records the day I can’t run 1.7 mile is the day I get my pipe and slippers out! This is an event that many of us look forward to every year, seeing it as a good reason to try to get fit and also knowing that we will be helping to raise money for a worthwhile local charity is always the best possible incentive.” 

And although the Hewitsons runners prefer to opt for its traditional red t-shirt uniform, this year being printed by Papworth Trust, next year could be a break from tradition with Hewitsons entering a team in the ‘Peoples Cup’ and take to the city streets wearing fancy dress costumes. 

Race Director, Charles Hewitson said, “Chariots of Fire is a perfect opportunity for local organisations and the college community to join together for a great cause. Entering a team with your colleagues or friends really encourages camaraderie and team spirit, which is clearly evident on the day.”

 And it’s not too late to enter a team and get involved! To register your team online, visit the website www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk/enter This year, all sponsorship monies raised will go to leading disability charity, Papworth Trust, who need to make urgently needed renovations and improvements to its Cambridge day centre, on Hawthorn Way. This centre is an essential resource for its service users to learn new life skills.