FAQs
Below you will find further information regarding the Potters 'arf Marathon
Bib, number and timing chip:
A running bib with your personalised number and timing chip will be sent to you in the post around 4 weeks before the event. If you have any questions or have not received your pack four weeks before the event, please email potters.arf@stoke.gov.uk
Bag storage:
Bag storage will be located in the indoor market underneath The Potteries Centre. Open from 8am.
Changing areas:
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Toilets:
Portable toilets are located a few metres away from the changing area
Indoor Market (lower floor of the intu Potteries Shopping Centre)
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 Race: 10.20am
Run:
The course follows a well-marshalled route, with participants gathering at Huntbach Street in Hanley, starting on Potteries Way and finishing back in the city centre near the Sir Stanley Matthews statue. The half marathon run is restricted to people born before June 12, 2005.
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 computer chip.
Teams must make their own way to and from the change over points.
Team members must ‘touch hands’ at each change over.
If you do not have four runners you can still compete.
Relay changeover points and reporting times will be available in the race pack.All the change overs will be sign posted.
The relay is restricted to people aged 17 and over.
Walk:
The walk will start outside Boots in the city centre, Hanley. The course follows a well-marshalled route and finishes back in the city centre near the Sir Stanley Matthews statue. 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 Marks and Spencers at 10.20 am. The route is a 1km circuit around the city centre. 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:
Qualified fitness instructors at our sports and leisure teams across The Wallace Centre, New Horizons and Dimensions have created training plans for the Potters 'Arf Marathon. These are aimed at all levels and there is a 12-week beginner and a 10-week intermediate programme to work from.
For more information, download the training programmes here:
Directions to race village:
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.
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.
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.