A North East law firm is leading the way with a different kind of networking event, focused on physical and mental wellbeing.
Breaking away from traditional networking events, Muckle LLP – a leading independent law firm for businesses, has developed a unique running event for its contacts, clients and friends.
Dubbed ‘Muckle Running Social’, the gathering is believed to be the first of its kind in the region and is the brainchild of senior partner and multi-marathon runner Hugh Welch.
The inaugural event drew in over 50 business people, who dashed across the region to take part in the fitness inspired get together at Swalwell Cricket Club.
The event kicked off with a short talk, a tutorial on running technique and a strength and conditioning warm-up led by fitness experts David Fairlamb and Joel Brannigan. Runners then took part in a 3k or 5k run along Derwent Walk followed by food, drinks and chat back at the clubhouse.
Charlotte McMurchie, partner, said: “The launch of ‘Muckle Running Social’ has been a tremendous success and we’ve had some excellent feedback. We’re always looking for new ways to bring our clients and contacts together in a relaxed environment and our event certainly achieved this.
“At Muckle we love sport and fitness and established our employee running club many years ago to help build relationships and develop the healthy workplace culture our firm is now well known for.
“Muckle Running Social is an extension of that idea and a wonderfully positive way to bring people together, because it’s fun, physically and mentally rewarding and mutually inclusive of age, gender and ability.”
Alongside this event, Muckle held its own Mental Wellbeing Week, with a series of internal talks and activities designed to raise awareness of mental health issues and support its employees.
David Fairlamb, founder of David Fairlamb Fitness, said: “Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked and I’ve been really impressed by how much Muckle cares about the overall wellbeing of its people.
“The first Muckle Running Social has taken this idea to another level and it was fantastic to see smiles on everyone’s faces as they took part.
“I’ve never heard of a business community event quite like this. People of all ages and abilities turned out, clearly had a tremendous time and, I hope, took some inspiration and learning away that will enhance their own personal wellbeing in the long run.”
Hugh Welch, senior partner at Muckle LLP, added: “I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our event.
“When we first devised the format, we had no idea how successful it would be, so I am absolutely delighted that so many clients, contacts and friends have been able to join us and we are already looking forward to the next Muckle Running Social.”