FAQ's
Where is the event taking place?
The event will take place along the new Etruria Valley Link Road on Sunday 15 January.
The brand new link road connects the A500 at Wolstanton to Festival Park and St Modwen Park Stoke Central. It features new bridges over the West Coast Mainline, the Trent and Mersey Canal and Fowlea Brook.
Santa Dash participants will be among the first people to walk along the Etruria Valley Link Road before it opens to traffic in January 2023.
How much does it cost?
The event is completely free but participants will be invited to make donations to the Lord Mayor’s charities – The Hubb Foundation and Brighter Futures – on the day.
Where shall I park?
Participants should park on the Festival Park retail park and walk to the start point at Etruria Valley Link Road. The start point is opposite Mitten Clarke on Festival Way, ST1 5RY. There will be signage directing participants to the event. Please note: Maximum stay on Festival Park is four hours.
What time should I arrive?
The event starts at 10.30am but please arrive at 9.45am to make sure you are there in plenty of time. There will be a five-minute festive warm-up at 10.15am.
What proof will I need to show that I have registered for the event?
All participants should visit the ‘check-in’ tents before the event starts. These will be located at the start point. Please bring your confirmation email with the QR code as we will need to scan these on your arrival.
Please note: Due to its location, the Etruria Valley Fun Run cannot accommodate spectators. Only those registered will be able to enter the event and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Both the child and adult MUST register to participate.
If you cannot make it please cancel your space so someone else can enjoy the event.
What shall I wear?
Please ensure to wear suitable footwear if it is wet or a little snowy on the day - and wrap up warm as it can get a little windy on the course.
Will I get a bib and timing chip?
No. This is a family-friendly event so it will not be timed and participants will not receive a race bib/number. All participants will receive a medal and a sweet treat on completion.
How long is the route?
The course will be approximately 2km.
Participants will start on the canal bridge, take a left along Shelton Boulevard, go over the roundabout then across the Etruria Valley Link Road before turning around and going back towards the finish line.
Will there be toilets?
Yes, accessible toilets will be located at the entrance of the event.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the event of severe weather, such as heavy rain, frost or snow, please ensure to wear suitable footwear and warm clothing.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council reserves the right to amend the event format or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control or for any safety related reason.
If the event is cancelled, you will be notified via email and we will also update via social media.