Hanley Building Society Potters Arf Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (268 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Steve Farnell
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Usually well supported race, slightly let down by unseasonable rain.
In full: Having run this race in 2010 and being impressed by the crowd support this year didn't quite meet the same standard of support, but only because of some unseasonable rain which undoubtedly kept a few of the usual supporters indoors.
Date of review: June 23, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: RACHEL GODFREY 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well supported, well organised race!
In full: This was my first half marathon and I was really worried about the hills, I managed Anchor Road without walking, but I didn't even attempt to run up Milton Road.
The weather was awful, but there was still plenty of support from the public.
Very well organised, regular water stops, good marshalling and generous good bag at the end of the race! Good value for money.
My partner was disappointed that he ran within the time to get a silver medal but there were none left, so he emailed them and they sent him one in the post.
I finished in 2hrs 15mins and I'm looking forward to my next half marathon in October. The Potters 'Arf it's a punishing but also rewarding race, and I hope to run it again in the future!
Well done to everyone involved!
Date of review: June 23, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: katy sanderson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great Race. Sneaky hills. Well worth doing. Will be back next year!!!
In full: Great race. Was my first Potters Arf and got a personal best, despite the couple of hills!! Will defietly be back next year to beat my time. Beware heartbreak hill at the end, not as long as you think but very steep!! Great atmosphere despite the constant rain. Thanks for a great day!!
Date of review: June 18, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Tony Hails
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Hilly, wet & windy
In full: Even though it rained all morning, the people of Stoke were still there to support us mad fools running in the rain. It is a wonderful challenging race which is well organised with a superb goody bag of a T shirt, plate & medal. Well done Stoke and all involved in organising such a great event.
Date of review: June 16, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Smartly
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great atmosphere despite the non stop rain
In full: Somehow managed to knock 4 mins off my PB so really enjoyed the event. The rain ensured that there weren't as many spectators this year but their enthusiasm was as great as ever. Well organaised & enjoyable, will be back next year for my fourth time.
Date of review: June 15, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Aaron Buchan
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: great atmosphere, challenging in places but very rewarding
Date of review: June 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: fuzzyhead
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Wow, the people of Stoke-on-Trent are a hardy bunch
In full: First time doing the Potters Arf and only my second half marathon. Was worried before with everyone telling me about the hills, but to be honest they weren't that bad. Yes the last hill is steep, but its not that long (honestly). The crowds were amazing, there were people all along the 13 mile route standing in the rain with tubs of sweets, drinks, ice pop's etc. fantastic support, Stoke-on-Trent should be very proud of itself. I thought the start was very well organised, walked down to the line and let loose almost as soon as you got there, so no standing around shivering for too long.
I also did a PB by 8 minutes!! The fact that the course is undulating means lots of fast downhill sections to make your time up :o)
I will be back next year.
Date of review: June 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: dean richardson 7
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: bad weather but great race
In full: the rain came down from start to finish but the people of stoke still came out in good numbers to cheer everyone on.
My first time but i can only imagine how many people would come out in the sun as in previous yrs.
excellently organised and decent goodies in the bag. The medals had different ribbons on to show how you did, eg.sub 1.30.
although its a hilly course, the good news is the hills pay off immediately and have down hills to recover.
i had heard frightening stories of the heartbreak hill but once you are on it it passes quickly then downhill all the way to the finish.
Will defn be doing this again next yr.
Date of review: June 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Stephen Owen 11
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Tough Half and Heartbreak Hill is exactly that but great prep for full 26!
Date of review: June 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: LISA LANCASTER
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: UNDULATING!!!!! never level - always up or down
In full: first time I've run this in the rain - and no hose pipes on milton bank needed this year, very tough course, but spectators usually in large numbers were kept away because of the rain - those that were there were brilliant as ever - thank you to the jelly baby people!!
Date of review: June 13, 2011
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