POTTERS ‘ARF RETURNS IN A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY WITH JAZMINE SAWYERS JOINING LOU MACARI MBE AS HONORARY STARTER

Over 2,500 runners, walkers, and children will be taking to the streets of the city in a celebration of commitment, community and human endeavour.

They will be set on their way by two of the region’s most popular figures, 2026 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Jazmine Sawyers and Lou Macari, MBE.

With entrants travelling to North Staffordshire from across the UK, the Potters ‘arf is set to provide a significant boost to the regional economy.

New features have been introduced for 2026, with a big screen, mass warm up, and new partners, as the event continues to grow in entry levels and profile.

The elite winners of the Potters ‘arf marathon will each receive a special trophy, crafted by esteemed local designer and potter Emma Bridgewater.

But the true winners will be charities from across Stoke on Trent and beyond, as hundreds of participants will be taking part to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes.

One of those charities is the Lou Macari Foundation, who have a number of runners taking part. Lou Macari, who was recently awarded the MBE for services to charity and football, will be there to cheer the team on.

Graham Smith, Director of event organisers HS Sports, is eagerly anticipating the day. He says, “As a proud Stokie, I know how much this event means to our community. It’s a chance to come together, cheer each other on and celebrate the spirit that makes this city so special. To every entrant, sponsor and volunteer: thank you for making it possible. Together, let’s make it a day to remember.”

The Potters ‘arf will welcome local business Solace as the official hydration partner, with one of the region’s biggest employers, JCB, lending their support by powering the warm up.

The action starts at 08.30 under the gaze of the Sir Stanley Matthews statue in Hanley with the walking wave, with the half marathon runners due to set off an hour later. A fun run completes the start line action and is scheduled to commence at 09.45.

Several road closures will be in place during the day, with all local businesses and residents impacted by the closures having been contacted in advance by the organisers.

Details of road closures -  www.potters-arf.co.uk/roadclosures