Potters 'arf Marathon
PA
From Potters Arf Marathon
Sunday 28th September 2025
Past event
10:00
Stoke-on-Trent
£34.50 · 1 race
Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Potters 'Arf Marathon, taking place on Sunday, 28th September 2025, in the vibrant city of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Organised by the Potters Arf Marathon team, this challenging half marathon covers a demanding 13.1 miles, featuring the notorious “Heartbreak Hill” that will truly test your limits. Runners will traverse through the scenic areas of Hanley, Shelton, Stoke, Fenton, Longton, and Bentilee, culminating in a triumphant finish in the bustling city centre.
What makes the Potters 'Arf Marathon truly special is its incredible atmosphere. Expect to be cheered on by enthusiastic local crowds and supported by energetic volunteers, creating a community spirit that’s second to none. This event is not just about the race; it’s also an opportunity for participants to raise funds for various local and national charities. Join us for a day filled with determination, pride, and celebration in the heart of the Potteries!
What makes the Potters 'Arf Marathon truly special is its incredible atmosphere. Expect to be cheered on by enthusiastic local crowds and supported by energetic volunteers, creating a community spirit that’s second to none. This event is not just about the race; it’s also an opportunity for participants to raise funds for various local and national charities. Join us for a day filled with determination, pride, and celebration in the heart of the Potteries!
Potters 'arf Marathon
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Races
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Half Marathon
Entries closed£34.50
Event information
A challenging undulating course, ideal for someone looking for that little bit extra in a road race.
🎉 What to Expect on the Day – Potters ’Arf Marathon
• Start Line Buzz: The day kicks off in Hanley city centre, where runners, walkers, and relay teams gather. Expect music, announcements, and an energetic crowd.
• Challenging Course: The route is hilly and tough, with the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” in the later miles testing even experienced runners. But there’s plenty of encouragement from locals lining the streets.
• Support Stations: Water and aid stations are dotted along the course, with volunteers and first aid on hand throughout.
• Cheering Crowds: Communities along the route come out in force – cheering, offering jelly babies, and lifting spirits with signs and noise.
• Finish Line Celebration: The race finishes back in Hanley, where you’ll receive a well-earned medal, refreshments, and a great sense of achievement. There’s often a lively atmosphere, music, and local media coverage.
• Road Closures & Logistics: Roads on the course are closed to traffic
• Start Line Buzz: The day kicks off in Hanley city centre, where runners, walkers, and relay teams gather. Expect music, announcements, and an energetic crowd.
• Challenging Course: The route is hilly and tough, with the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” in the later miles testing even experienced runners. But there’s plenty of encouragement from locals lining the streets.
• Support Stations: Water and aid stations are dotted along the course, with volunteers and first aid on hand throughout.
• Cheering Crowds: Communities along the route come out in force – cheering, offering jelly babies, and lifting spirits with signs and noise.
• Finish Line Celebration: The race finishes back in Hanley, where you’ll receive a well-earned medal, refreshments, and a great sense of achievement. There’s often a lively atmosphere, music, and local media coverage.
• Road Closures & Logistics: Roads on the course are closed to traffic
Multi Storey car park: Entrances to the car park can be found on Bryan Street and Quadrant Road.
Long stay car park: Entrance to the long stay car park can be found on Bryan Street.
Long stay car park: Entrance to the long stay car park can be found on Bryan Street.
From the South: Leave the M6 at Junction 15 on to the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
From the North: Leave the M6 at Junction 16 on to the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
From the East: On the A50 follow signs for the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
From the West: Follow signs for the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Stoke-on-Trent. There are regular train services from Crewe, Derby, Macclesfield, Stafford and Wolverhampton. From there you can catch one of the many frequent buses from the bus stop outside the station that heads to the city centre in less than 10 minutes.
From the North: Leave the M6 at Junction 16 on to the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
From the East: On the A50 follow signs for the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
From the West: Follow signs for the A500. Follow signs for City Centre (Hanley), then follow signs for The Potteries Centre.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Stoke-on-Trent. There are regular train services from Crewe, Derby, Macclesfield, Stafford and Wolverhampton. From there you can catch one of the many frequent buses from the bus stop outside the station that heads to the city centre in less than 10 minutes.
08:30
Potters 'arf Marathon Walk and Walk Relay START
10:00
Potters 'arf Marathon START
10:15
Potters Junior Run 2km START
10:30
Potters Junior Run 1km START
Potters 'arf Marathon Walk and Walk Relay START
10:00
Potters 'arf Marathon START
10:15
Potters Junior Run 2km START
10:30
Potters Junior Run 1km START
Bib, number and timing chip:
This year we're aiming to be a sustainable event, as such all runner numbers will be available to collect in the run up to race day, and on race day. If you have any questions please contact us [email protected]
Race bibs and t-shirts can be collected at the below dates / times from the Community Hub on the Ground Floor of the Potteries Centre
21st September - 10am to 4pm
22nd September - 11am to 4pm
27th September - 10am to 5pm
Alternatively race bibs and t-shirts can be collected on race day morning at the race information tent within the Race Village from 7.30am
Bag storage:
Bag storage will be located in the indoor market underneath The Potteries Centre. Open from 8am.
Changing areas:
There are no official changing facilities available on-site
Toilets:
Portable toilets will be located in the town centre, along with Urinals for men and Disabled facilities
Arrival:
Please be at the start 20 minutes before your start time and don’t forget to wear your race number which contains your timing chip.
Main race time:
There is a time limit of 3 hours, so if the last car passes you then you will need to run on the pavement.
Start times:
Walkers: 8.30am
Walking Relay: 8:30am
Runners and Relays: 10.00am
Junior 2km Race: 10.15am
Junior 1km Race: 10:35am
Run:
The course follows a well-marshalled route, starting and finishing in the city centre. The half marathon run is restricted to entrants over 17 years of age (on race day)
Relay:
Your race number must be worn on the front of your vest or T-shirt. The first stage and last stage runners must wear the race number containing the timing chip.
Teams must make their own way to and from the change over points. It is your teams responsibility to ensure each leg runner is at the correct changeover point in good time.
Team members must ‘touch hands’ at each change over.
If you do not have four runners you can still compete, but must have a minimum of 2 runners.
Relay changeover points are detailed below but will also be in the Event guide.All the change overs will be sign posted with teardrop flags.
The change over locations for the relay are:
1) Start to Outside Malvern Tyres, Anchor Road. A nice steady course with gradual uphill on Victoria Road (Approx 5km)
2) Leg 1 End to Hanley Town FC (Abbey Lane). This is a tough climb up Anchor Road (Approx 6km).
3) Leg 2 End to The Berwick inn (Jnct Berwick Road / Milton Lane). This is the longest stage but is mainly flat with a steady climb on Leek New Road (Approx 6km).
4) Leg 3 End to Finish. This is the shortest stage but realistically the most testing with a very steep climb of about half a mile up Milton Road (Approx 4km).
The relay is restricted to people aged 17 and over (on race day).
Walk:
The walk starts and finishes in the city centre and follows a well-marshalled route. Make sure you know the route and take a drink with you. You must not walk on the road until the leading runners pass you. The half marathon walk is restricted to people aged 17 and over.
Mile markers:
Markers will be erected at every mile.
Finishers’ bag:
Every finisher of the Potters Arf Marathon will receive a goody bag and a well-deserved Potters 'Arf medal.
Winners’ presentation:
This will take place after the race at about 12pm.
Junior run:
The junior run starts outside the Potteries Centre at 10.20 am. The route is a 1km circuit around the city centre. For the older kids, there is also a 2km route, which is two laps for older juniors up to and including 16 year olds. It should take a maximum of 20- 30 minutes to complete. Under-9s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).
Training plans:
Our training partner MARA Run Club have created training plans for the Potters 'Arf Marathon. These are aimed at all levels with a 12-week programme to work from.
Deferral
You can defer your place by going to your registration dashboard and following the simple steps on there. This will guarantee your place for next years' edition. Your entry can be deferred up to 3 weeks prior to the race date. After this time due to the preparation required for the event no further deferrals will be possible
Place Transfer
You can transfer your place to a friend by going to your registration dashboard and entering your friends' email address. This is possible up to 2 weeks prior to the event date and has a transfer fee of £5
This year we're aiming to be a sustainable event, as such all runner numbers will be available to collect in the run up to race day, and on race day. If you have any questions please contact us [email protected]
Race bibs and t-shirts can be collected at the below dates / times from the Community Hub on the Ground Floor of the Potteries Centre
21st September - 10am to 4pm
22nd September - 11am to 4pm
27th September - 10am to 5pm
Alternatively race bibs and t-shirts can be collected on race day morning at the race information tent within the Race Village from 7.30am
Bag storage:
Bag storage will be located in the indoor market underneath The Potteries Centre. Open from 8am.
Changing areas:
There are no official changing facilities available on-site
Toilets:
Portable toilets will be located in the town centre, along with Urinals for men and Disabled facilities
Arrival:
Please be at the start 20 minutes before your start time and don’t forget to wear your race number which contains your timing chip.
Main race time:
There is a time limit of 3 hours, so if the last car passes you then you will need to run on the pavement.
Start times:
Walkers: 8.30am
Walking Relay: 8:30am
Runners and Relays: 10.00am
Junior 2km Race: 10.15am
Junior 1km Race: 10:35am
Run:
The course follows a well-marshalled route, starting and finishing in the city centre. The half marathon run is restricted to entrants over 17 years of age (on race day)
Relay:
Your race number must be worn on the front of your vest or T-shirt. The first stage and last stage runners must wear the race number containing the timing chip.
Teams must make their own way to and from the change over points. It is your teams responsibility to ensure each leg runner is at the correct changeover point in good time.
Team members must ‘touch hands’ at each change over.
If you do not have four runners you can still compete, but must have a minimum of 2 runners.
Relay changeover points are detailed below but will also be in the Event guide.All the change overs will be sign posted with teardrop flags.
The change over locations for the relay are:
1) Start to Outside Malvern Tyres, Anchor Road. A nice steady course with gradual uphill on Victoria Road (Approx 5km)
2) Leg 1 End to Hanley Town FC (Abbey Lane). This is a tough climb up Anchor Road (Approx 6km).
3) Leg 2 End to The Berwick inn (Jnct Berwick Road / Milton Lane). This is the longest stage but is mainly flat with a steady climb on Leek New Road (Approx 6km).
4) Leg 3 End to Finish. This is the shortest stage but realistically the most testing with a very steep climb of about half a mile up Milton Road (Approx 4km).
The relay is restricted to people aged 17 and over (on race day).
Walk:
The walk starts and finishes in the city centre and follows a well-marshalled route. Make sure you know the route and take a drink with you. You must not walk on the road until the leading runners pass you. The half marathon walk is restricted to people aged 17 and over.
Mile markers:
Markers will be erected at every mile.
Finishers’ bag:
Every finisher of the Potters Arf Marathon will receive a goody bag and a well-deserved Potters 'Arf medal.
Winners’ presentation:
This will take place after the race at about 12pm.
Junior run:
The junior run starts outside the Potteries Centre at 10.20 am. The route is a 1km circuit around the city centre. For the older kids, there is also a 2km route, which is two laps for older juniors up to and including 16 year olds. It should take a maximum of 20- 30 minutes to complete. Under-9s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).
Training plans:
Our training partner MARA Run Club have created training plans for the Potters 'Arf Marathon. These are aimed at all levels with a 12-week programme to work from.
Deferral
You can defer your place by going to your registration dashboard and following the simple steps on there. This will guarantee your place for next years' edition. Your entry can be deferred up to 3 weeks prior to the race date. After this time due to the preparation required for the event no further deferrals will be possible
Place Transfer
You can transfer your place to a friend by going to your registration dashboard and entering your friends' email address. This is possible up to 2 weeks prior to the event date and has a transfer fee of £5
Organiser's description
The Potters ’Arf is a challenging half marathon held annually in Stoke-on-Trent, UK. Renowned for its hilly and demanding course, especially the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” at Milton Road, it attracts a mix of competitive runners, walkers, relay teams, and wheelchair athletes.
• Distance: 13.1 miles (half marathon)
• Route Highlights: Runs through Hanley, Shelton, Stoke, Fenton, Longton, and Bentilee, finishing back in the city centre.
• Atmosphere: Famous for its supportive local crowds, energetic volunteers, and a great community spirit.
• Charity Focus: Many participants run to raise money for local and national charities.
It’s not just a race – it’s a celebration of local pride, determination, and community support in the heart of the Potteries.
• Distance: 13.1 miles (half marathon)
• Route Highlights: Runs through Hanley, Shelton, Stoke, Fenton, Longton, and Bentilee, finishing back in the city centre.
• Atmosphere: Famous for its supportive local crowds, energetic volunteers, and a great community spirit.
• Charity Focus: Many participants run to raise money for local and national charities.
It’s not just a race – it’s a celebration of local pride, determination, and community support in the heart of the Potteries.
Location
Albion Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1, United Kingdom
Potters 'arf Marathon
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Potters Arf Marathon
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Since
2025
Events
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