Iconic Potters Arf is back and open for registration

Online entries for the Hanley Economic Building Society Potters ’Arf Marathon have opened following a launch which saw more than 400 people sign up in one day.

Participants recently flocked to the Victoria Hall, in Bagnall Street Street, Hanley, to register for the iconic event. The Potters ’Arf is back on Sunday, June 14 and will see more than 1,800 participants tackling the 13.1-mile course.

The ‘Arf includes walking and relay team sections for those who do not want to run the full 13.1 miles. There’s also a free 1,000-metre junior race for youngsters aged six to 15 years old. All participants who complete the course receive a t-shirt, goody bag and special Potters ’Arf medal.

Over the past 16 years more than 30,000 people have taken part in the Potters ’Arf. Since it first started, the event has also raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities – including the two main causes the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and the Donna Louise Trust.

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: “The Potters ’Arf Marathon is an iconic part of the Stoke-on-Trent calendar which encourages runners or those looking for a new challenge to take part. We’ve got sections for walkers, relay teams and a free junior event as well, so there are lots of ways to get involved. This year we’d love even more groups to take part in the relay, so if you’ve got friends or colleagues who fancy having a go, make sure you sign up. I watch the ’Arf every year on Anchor Road and the atmosphere is really special. The support is fantastic and there’s definitely no other race quite like it in the UK. It’s also raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities – including the two main causes the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and the Donna Louise Trust – which is another fantastic legacy of the race.”

At the launch event which took place on Saturday 18 January, 425 people signed up for the Potters ’Arf at the Victoria Hall.

David Lownds, head of marketing and business development at the Hanley Economic Building Society, said: “Hanley Economic is extremely proud to support the Potters ’Arf – it brings together local people and businesses to create an event which continues to be iconic even after so many years. Now in our 13th year of sponsorship, we have seen the ’Arf evolve over the years and seen the positive effect it has on our local community. We hope lots of locals get involved either by taking part or cheering on the entrants. We are looking forward to this year’s race and cheering on our team too.”

Donna Adams, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, said: “Dougie Mac always receives amazing support from the running community when it comes to the Potters ’Arf and we’re hoping this will continue this year. It really is the highlight of the local running calendar and is a great opportunity for people to challenge themselves as well as fundraise. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck and thank all participants for their support. All monies raised will help the hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to local adults at a time when they need it most.”

Nathan Walton, head of income generation at The Donna Louise, said: “The Potters ’Arf is a favourite local event that we look forward to each year. Every runner who takes on the challenge to raise money in support of local families at The Donna Louise will make a huge difference. If you’re interested in running in support of local children and young people, our fundraising team would love to hear from you. Get in touch on 01782 654444.”

**SIGN UP to the Potters Arf here.