Hartley was raised in Lydiate, Lancashire (now Merseyside) on the outskirts of Liverpool where his family ran a market garden.

Following success in national and international competition, Hartley won a silver medal representing England at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand[1][2][3] and then a gold medal at the European Championships in Rome in the 400m relay.

He also represented England in the 400 metres hurdles event, at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

[4] He was a member of the winning Europa Cup 4 × 400 m relay team, along with Alan Pascoe, David Jenkins and Jim Aukett.

His son Tom Hartley plays for Lancashire County Cricket Club and England.