Bradley Stoke 10k – another winning event

Our connection with the Bradley Stoke 10k race is a strong one - Wards Solicitors has sponsored this fantastically organised event for many years now with some of the keen runners among our staff always delighted to take part.

This year was no exception with Gary Hope, Partner and head of our National Conveyancing Unit based in Bradley Stoke, coming in second overall with an impressive time of 36.13 as well as winning the over fifties race with a clear margin of more than three minutes.

He was joined by Wards Solicitors' colleagues Rachel Bennett, solicitor and fellow member of Bradley Stoke's National Conveyancing team, Andrew Wareham, Partner and member of the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team and Richard Green, an Accident and Injury solicitor.

Special place

The Bradley Stoke 10k is organised by Sole Sisters, the only all women UK Athletics affiliated running group in North Bristol. The 10k course takes in tracks and footpaths through Bradley Stoke's conservation area with almost 550 men and women taking part this year.

The event has a special place in Gary's heart. He won the race the first year he ran it in 2009, setting a course record which was only broken last year.

Then, after an eight year break from running, he marked his return to racing at last year's event.

He says: "I've always enjoyed participating in this event, it has a notable community feel and helps brings the town together as part of the Bradley Stoke annual festival. This race sold out within 48 hours, which is testament to the organisation and effort that Soul Sisters invest in it. The volunteer martials also deserve huge credit for their support and enthusiasm."

Gary has also recently competed in this year's arduous London Marathon clocking up an impressive time of 2 hours 54 minutes and 16 seconds and raising around £200 with an office sweepstake for Wards Solicitors' charity of the year, Off the Record Bristol, in the process.