Man running in memory of dad who died after race

A man running a half marathon in memory of his father, who died after taking part in the same race last year, said he was “excited” about Sunday’s event.

Matthew Knight will set off on the 13.1 mile (21km) Potters ‘Arf course in Stoke-on-Trent in tribute to his dad, Tony Knight, who became known as “Tony the tiger” after he donned a tiger suit during previous races.

Matthew and members of his family will wear tiger print t-shirts with images of Tony on their backs.

“He loved the running community within Stoke,” Matthew said. “They’ve been massively supportive of what we’re doing, and what he did with many years of running around the area.”

Tony, 74, suffered a medical episode after completing the Potters ‘Arf on 28 September 2025 and died in hospital later the same day.

Matthew said his sister carried out CPR on their father, who was a popular figure among the running community in north Staffordshire.

He said his father “would have 100% appreciated it”, when asked what he would have thought of him taking part in the run one year on.

“I don’t know whether he’d have appreciated all the publicity that has been happening over the last 12 months, he wasn’t one for speaking on the radio, but I’m happy to do that and continue some of the great things he’s done,” he added.

Matthew will be joined by both of his sisters, as well as some of Tony’s grandchildren who will be doing their first half marathon.

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Matthew and his dad previously ran together dressed as a bear and a monkey [Matthew Knight]

This year is the 21st anniversary of the county’s biggest running event and will see 2,500 runners set off by Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jazmine Sawyers, alongside former Stoke City and Manchester United footballer Lou Macari.

Walking and running participants setting off at 08:30 BST and 09:30 BST respectively, while the “fun run” starts at 09:45 BST.

There will be a number of road closures in place throughout the area – with some in place until 16:00 BST.

The route for all three races takes runners from the start line in Hanley, down to Longton, then up through Abbey Hulton and back through Sneyd Green, before taking on the tough slope known locally as “Heartbreak Hill”.

“It’s really hard to put a finger on exactly what makes people want to run a half marathon,” said race director, Graham Smith.

“In all the events that we’re involved with in the UK, Potters ‘Arf is one of the toughest half marathons out there.”

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