People of all ages and abilities urged to tackle Mow Cop Killer Mile

The Mow Cop Killer Mile is back for 2024 and has received a £500 boost from a generous local supermarket and its customers.

People of all ages and abilities are being invited to take on the famous mile-long road race, which takes place on the evening of Thursday, May 9^th. This year, it has partly been made possible thanks to the grant from Kidsgrove’s Tesco store, as part of the Tesco Community Grant Programme.

Starting on Drumber Lane, Scholar Green, the route climbs every step to the finish at the National Trust car park at Mow Cop Castle, with 570 feet of continuous climbing at a 25% gradient in places.

The event was first held in 1982 while the fastest-ever time of six minutes and 12 seconds was set in 1991.  There is now a £1,000 cash prize for anyone who can beat the 23-year-old record.

In addition to the main run for running club members, it features two fun runs which are renowned for competitors’ extravagant fancy dress efforts. There is also a run on a shorter route for under-12s, starting at 6.15pm, which local schools and sports clubs are encouraged to enter.

The running order and prices for each event are as follows:

1. Under 12 start 6.15.  Fees £4.50
2. Fun Run A Start 6.45 Fees under 18 £4.50, Over 18 £6.50
3. Club Run Start 7.10 Fees under 18 £4.50, Over 18 £6.50. Extra £2 charge for unaffiliated runners in this race.
4. Fun Run B Start 7.30 Fees under 18 £4.50 , Over 18 £6.50

Andrew Addis is the treasurer of Mow Cop Runners, which organises the event with support from the local community.

Andrew said:

“We’re very grateful to Tesco for the very generous donation which will hopefully help make this year’s event even bigger and better than ever.

“The Killer Mile attracts competitive runners from all over the country but people of all ages and fitness levels can take part thanks to the fun runs and under-12 event, so we want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy it.”

On the night, drinks and cakes will be available for purchase at the Community Church Hall, which is located just off Top Station Road, and in the field close to the start point where registrations will be processed.

Further details can be found here: 

Mow Cop Runners website

People can book their place online via:

www.avtiming.com/killermile

Car parking

Please park at bottom of Mow Cop on Station Road, Scholar Green as directed, along with Mount Pleasant Village Hall and the field opposite. Car sharing is strongly encouraged as parking will be limited.

Entry on the day

Entries on the day can be made in the field adjacent to the start point with fees at £4.50 for under 18s and £8 for others.

T-shirts

During the pre-entry process you can pre-order a newly designed Killer Mile technical t-shirt priced at £5 for children’s or £8 for adults. Please specify your size, these can be collected from the Community Church Hall on the day.

Photography

Photographer Bryan Dale will be in attendance, and photos will be on his website – www.racephotos.org.uk

Trophies and prizes

Club Race trophies and prizes for winners and age category will be distributed in the Community Church Hall from 8.00 pm.

The male and female winners in all the fun runs will receive their awards on the finish line. All finishers in the under 12 fun run will receive a medal, certificate and wristband.

Results

Results will be available on the night and shortly after at www.mowcoprunner.com and at www.avtiming.com/killermile. All competitors will be sent a message with their finishing time on the night, and a video of finish will also be available. There will also be an option to download a race certificate.

Pictured - Tesco Kidsgrove representatives Ann Burton and Matthew Wright present the cheque for £500 to Mow Cop Runners members Andrew Addis and Pamela Mason.