Stoke Turned Out For The 'Arf
More than 2,000 people took on the Potters 'Arf as runners, walkers and fundraisers filled the streets of Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday...
This relates to: Potters Arf Marathon
There are easier ways to cover 13.1 miles. Stoke-on-Trent wouldn't have it any other way.
More than 2,000 people took part in Sunday's Potters 'Arf, with runners joined by walkers and relay teams for a morning built around one of the most distinctive challenges on the local sporting calendar.
The half marathon started in Hanley and sent the field around Stoke-on-Trent on a course whose reputation precedes it. The famous Heartbreak Hill provides one of the tests, but this is a race where the support beside the road matters almost as much as the hills on it.
Stoke-born athlete Jazmin Sawyers and former Stoke City manager Lou Macari were honorary starters, while the streets belonged to club runners, first-time half marathoners and hundreds raising money for good causes.
Among them was Matthew Knight, running in memory of his father Tony, known as Tony the Tiger, who died after taking part in last year's race. More than 40 runners were also supporting University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity, while Macari had runners raising funds for the Lou Macari Foundation.
The day began with the walking wave before the runners set off, while youngsters had their own Fun Run. A mass warm-up and big screen were among the additions for 2026.
First staged in 2005, Potters 'Arf has never been about finding the easiest possible route to a half marathon finish.
It's hard, it's hilly and Stoke turns out to help people through it. More than 20 years after the first race, that's still what makes the 'Arf special.
