Billed as a debut event to get a Marathon back in my home city of Stoke.
This I completely agree with- Stoke needs a full marathon. We have the successful Potters Arf so there is definitely a need.
Important to remember this is the first year of the events and there are bound to be teething issues- some important some not so much.
I want to start with the positives: Stoke runners - got behind the event as much as possible and signed up to run, Marshall and volunteer. Now the event needs more runners to grow so focus on advertising is a must around the peripheral cities. The event can not just rely on Stoke’s amazing running community.
Another positive - the medal and tshirt were decent and do add something different to the collection.
Marshall support - these Marshall’s were very encouraging often with water, lollies etc bought with their own money to help the runners - despite a few dodgy marshal points where traffic was everywhere, on the whole, a definite positive for the event.
Areas for improvement;
The biggest thing is communication- simply Facebook posts the week before can not supply the runners with both the information & confidence they require from an event. It may be ok for local runners but for a runner outside of the area The website & email service need development.
The start- Sold as starting at Stoke City turned into a 15 minute walk to a trading estate for the start with moving lorries - simply not safe.
Promises made but not delivered- when signing up, it was suggested there would be music along the route- none. A promise of transport from the finish back to the start (a one way route) turned into a discount on a taxi that you have to book yourself. Again, not a problem for local runners but very problematic if the event wants to grow and give access to the wider running community.
In summary, definitely an event I’d do again as it is local and there is promise to develop if organisers iron out the mishaps.