GENERATIONS of scouts took part in the Mow Cop Killer Mile to

celebrate their group’s 100th birthday.

A total of 50 members of Kidsgrove Scout Group tackled the

gruelling mile-long slog up the hill to Mow Cop Castle yesterday.

They were among an estimated 1,000 runners who took part in the

annual run up the 1:3 gradient course, which starts at Station Road.

The oldest scout was group leader John Swindells, aged 64, and

the youngest his grandson Sam Jones, aged three.

Mark Swindells, aged 18, assistant scout group leader, said:

“We’ve had over 50 runners in the race ranging from beavers to leaders. We

wanted to do something special to celebrate the centenary which involved all our

members and showed our united spirit.

“We also wanted to raise money for the groups and its profile

across the area.”

Fellow runner Lisa Ball, who works at Heathfield Special School,

was also taking part for a cause close to her heart.

The first-time participant raised more than £200 in sponsorship

to buy a boat to take a group of eight physically disabled children sailing on

Rudyard Lake.

The 32-year-old said: “We’re going to use the money to buy

specially-adapted equipment the children will be able to use.”

Tom Haynes, aged 16,who goes to South

Cheshire College, came first in the 11 to 18 age group.

He has taken part in the race for the last three years and won in

2008.

The South Cheshire Harriers member said: “It was hard this year

because of the fog, which meant you couldn’t see the end of the road. It made it

seem a lot longer.

“I run 35 miles a week and this is one of the hardest races I

do.”

Layla Mountford, aged 28, of Loring Terrace South, Porthill, was

the first female in the adult section.

She said: “I teach spinning and do a lot of running but this was

the first time I had taken part. I felt very strong and didn’t realise I was the

first lady until I came up to the finish line. All the training must have paid

off.”

Michelin Athletic club member Tom Shaw said taking part in the

race was a unique experience.

The 40-year-old, of St Mary’s Road, Wolstanton, said: “A lot of

club runners won’t do this because they can’t be bothered to run just a mile,

but it is an incredible experience. It is hard, but once you get going, the

support you get from the public keeps you going.

“You can’t train for it as there are no other hills like it in

the area.”