Runners take on Killer Mile to the folly at Mow Cop

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.”