Frequently Asked Questions

Help Centre
Everything you need to know about the Mow Cop Killer Mile, including race details, registration, safety measures, and tips for an incredible experience!

The Killer Mile is a challenging running event that tests both endurance and speed over a one-mile course. The Mow Cop route features a 25% incline and a continuous climb of 570 feet. This event attracts both competitive runners and casual participants, making it accessible for individuals of all abilities.

The event raises money for charity, supporting local causes and initiatives. By participating, you contribute to the welfare of the community while challenging yourself.

All surplus funds raised from the 2025 Mow Cop Killer Mile will go directly to three local charities: St Luke’s Community Group, Greyhound Gap, and Mow Cop Community Church. These organisations are dedicated to making a positive impact in Mow Cop and the surrounding areas. A small portion of the funds will also support the Mow Cop Runners Club, helping to maintain and enhance local running initiatives.

The event has been an annual tradition since 1982, and the 2025 event will mark the 37th gathering.

Notable achievements include Roger Hackney setting an elite time of 6:17 in 1987, Bashir Hussain’s longstanding men’s record of 6:12 set in 1991, and Shireen Barbour recording the fastest women’s time of 7:54 in 1992.

You can register for a race on our website by clicking the “Enter” button at the top of each page or the “Register Now” button on the Home and Event Details pages. This will redirect you to SI Entries, a third-party platform we use to manage the registration process.

Online registration for the Mow Cop Killer Mile 2025 closes on Tuesday, May 6. Be sure to mark your calendar! We will accept sign-ups on the event night for Fun Run B and the Junior Race only. Make sure to check availability if you haven’t registered yet!

We cannot accept on-the-day entries for Fun Runs A and B or the Elite Race, as they were nearing capacity when online registration closed on May 6th. However, on-the-day entries are available for the Junior Race.

To facilitate the registration process for students, we can organise a bulk import registration. Schools need to provide a spreadsheet with the student’s names, dates of birth, and sex.

Cancellations or refunds are not supported by this event. Please see the Event Terms & Conditions on SI Entries for more details.

Adults accompanying children in the junior race can participate for free and do not need to sign up, as they will not require a bib number. If an adult wishes to have a bib number, they must register and pay for entry.

Carers accompanying registered participants do not need to register separately and can assist for free. A carer must register and pay for entry if they wish to have a bib number.

The Mow Cop Killer Mile will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, starting from Scholar Green and finishing at Mow Cop Castle.

The race categories and their start times for the Mow Cop Killer Mile 2025 are:

– Junior Race: 6:15 PM

– Fun Run A: 6:45 PM

– Elite Race: 7:10 PM

– Fun Run B: 7:30 PM

Yes, each race may have specific age categories. Specifically for the Mow Cop Killer Mile 2025:

– Junior Race: 5-12 years

– Fun Run A: 5+ years

– Elite Race: 13+ years

– Fun Run B: 5+ years

Both the Fun Run and the Elite Race share the same course distance; however, the Elite Race is designed to be more competitive, while the Fun Run is intended for enjoyment. Additionally, prizes are awarded only to the winners of the Elite Race, in accordance with England Athletics rules.

The only difference between Fun Run A and Fun Run B is their start times. We have a maximum number of entries per race.

The distances are:

– Junior Race: 3/4 mile

– Fun Run A, Elite Race, and Fun Run B: 1 mile

All races have a participant limit of 250-300 for safety reasons. It’s best to register early to secure your spot.

We use a method called race chip timing, which involves attaching a small electronic chip to the runners’ race bibs to record their times accurately. This process is managed by a third party, FR Systems. Runners receive disposable chips that they can keep after the event.

Race results are live and can be accessed online via our timing partner, FR Systems, by clicking here. There, you can download a certificate with your race time. Additionally, results will be posted in the results section of our website.

You can view the detailed race route map by clicking this link: Race Route Map. This map will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the route on race day.

Buggies are permitted, but you must line up at rear of the registration field/area to avoid collision with other participants.We recommend participating in the quieter Fun Run B, as other races may be busy and more challenging for buggy users.

Wheelchair users are welcome, but they must line up at rear of the registration field/area to avoid collision with other participants. We recommend joining the quieter Fun Run B, which may provide a more accommodating environment.

Due to health and safety concerns, headphone use is not permitted during races.

No, walking poles are not allowed for health and safety reasons, as the distance of the race is 1 mile on the road.

No, dogs are not allowed to run with participants due to health and safety concerns. This policy ensures the well-being of both runners and their pets, as running with dogs can lead to accidents and distractions. Thank you for your understanding!

Participants aged 13 and older can run alone, while those under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during the event for safety reasons.

The organisers prioritise runner safety with measures such as medical support along the course, volunteer marshals in orange high-visibility vests to guide participants, and road closures to minimise traffic during the race. Additionally, there will be barriers in place to separate runners from spectators, a designated one-way route from the finish line, and a water station located at the end of the course to ensure participants have access to hydration after completing the race.

If children get lost or cannot see their parents, they should make their way to the Community Church on Top Station Road, which is midway up the bank. Alternatively, they can speak to any marshal wearing an orange Killer Mile high-visibility vest for assistance. Parents who are looking for their children should approach a marshal to raise the alarm and provide a description of the child or the bib number if they are running. After that, parents can also proceed to the Community Church for further help.

Please discuss these safety procedures with your child prior to the race to ensure they know what to do in case they get separated.

The following roads will be closed:

– Drumber Lane

– Station Road

– Birch Tree Lane (Station Road End)

– Halls Road (Station Road End)

– Top Station Road

– High Street

– Lower High Street

Additionally, several junctions will also be affected:

– Junction of Station Road/Drumber Lane

– Junction of Birch Tree Lane/Station Road

– Junction of Halls Road/Station Road

– Junction of Wood Street/Station Road

– Junction of Primitive Street/Top Station Road

– Junction of Wood Street/High Street

– Junction of High Street/Top Station Road

These closures are implemented to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees during the event, so please plan your travel routes accordingly.

Yes, Bryan Dale will be taking photographs during the event, which will be available on his website – https://www.racephotos.org.uk/. Additionally, PH Production Services will also be capturing video and drone footage. If you registered via SI Entries, you have opted in for photos and videos to be taken and used on the website and in other media. If you do not wish for your images or footage to be used, please email [email protected] with your bib number no later than May, 8th.

If you chose to have your race number mailed to you, bibs will be sent out in two batches on April 22 and April 29, with the postal option available until April 28.

If you do not receive your bib number by Tuesday, May 6, please call or email us on that day, and we will ensure a bib is ready for you to collect on race day. Additionally, we will refund your postage costs.

If you opted for in-person pickup, please collect your race number from 5 PM on the event day until 30 minutes before your race starts.

Pickup Locations:  

– Junior Race: Birch Tree Lane (///split.trash.crush)  

– Fun Run A & Fun Run B: Drumber Lane (///beard.signal.liked)  

– Elite Race: Drumber Lane (///beard.signal.liked)  

Be sure to arrive early to ensure a smooth pickup process!

If you preordered t-shirts online, they will be available for collection at the race start. If you can’t change or don’t want to carry the t-shirts during the race, they will be moved to the Community Church on Top Station Road for collection after the race.

Be sure to arrive early to ensure a smooth pickup process!

Yes, limited stock will be available at the Community Church on Top Station Road from 5.30 PM on the evening of the event. Please note that this will be cash only, with prices set at £15 for adults and £10 for kids.

Yes, we can facilitate the transfer of your bib to a known party until online registration closes. After that point, we are unable to update any registrant details, which means you will not receive a finishing time associated with your name. Please email us at [email protected] for assistance with the transfer process before the deadline. 

Participants can look forward to several exciting prizes, including:

– Commemorative Medals for all finishers across every race.

– An enhanced cash prize fund of £2,000 for the Elite Race, which includes:

  – £1,000 for the male record-breaking winner (currently 6:12).

  – £1,000 for the female record-breaking winner (currently 7:54).

– Place prizes for the Elite Race, which consist of:

  – A £150 shoe voucher for both male and female winners.

  – Premium sweatshirts or hoodies for second place.

  – Premium socks for third place.

  – A special prize for the first under 18 participant.

– Trophies will be awarded in various age categories within the Elite Race, as well as to the first finishers in the Fun Runs and Junior Race.

– Goody bags will be provided for all Junior Race participants, along with a certificate and a medal.

– Book tokens will be provided to three schools whose students entered the Junior Race, automatically entering the school into a prize draw.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:  

– Finisher Medals: Awarded at the finish line.  

– Place and Age Position Trophies for Fun Runs and Junior Race: Awarded at the finish line.

– Junior Race Goody Bags: Distributed at the finish line.  

– School Book Tokens: Prizes drawn at the Community Church on Top Station Road at 7 PM by Natasha Millward of DJH.

– Elite Race Prizes and Trophies: Awarded at the Community Church on Top Station Road at 8 PM by Geoff Pettengell of Mow Cop Runners.  

Parking will be limited and available only along the roadside due to the event’s location in the village and the expected number of participants and spectators. We recommend using the designated drop-off points and planning your travel arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Recommended road names for drop-off:

– Fun Run A, Elite Race, and Fun Run B: Station Road, Scholar Green & Spring Bank, Scholar Green

– Junior Race: Mount Pleasant Road, Scholar Green; The Bank, Scholar Green; Grays Close, Scholar Green

Disclaimer: Participants and spectators are responsible for their own parking arrangements. The event organisers accept no liability for any issues or damages related to parking. We kindly ask that everyone be considerate of local residents by ensuring that access to driveways and homes is not obstructed. Additionally, please leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles to navigate the area. Park responsibly and comply with local regulations.

Portaloos will be available at both the start and finish lines to accommodate participants and spectators. The Community Church on Top Station Road will also be open to the public for restrooms.

Yes, every runner will receive a complimentary bottle of water at the end of the race to keep you hydrated and refreshed after your run.

Yes, trained first aiders will be present at the event to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. They will be located at the Community Church on Top Station Road and will maintain constant communication with all event marshals to ensure complete coverage of the route.

If you need assistance during the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the marshals or first aiders. Your safety is our top priority.

Yes, every runner will receive a complimentary bottle of water at the end of the race to keep you hydrated and refreshed after your run.

If you have clothing or bags that you do not want to carry during the race, you can use the Clothing Transfer service. The lead car will take your items to the Community Church on Top Station Road for you. Please make sure to keep any valuable items or cash with you during the event. We are not responsible for lost property.

Absolutely! The event is spectator-friendly, with multiple vantage points along the route for friends and family to cheer on participants. We kindly ask that spectators stay within designated areas to ensure a positive experience for the runners and to maintain safety. Please do not join the runners on the road at the end of the race; instead, remain behind the barriers and meet up with participants once the race has concluded.

Yes, there will be ice cream vans on both Primitive Street and High Street, as well as a coffee station on High Street. Additionally, refreshments will be available at the Community Church on Top Station Road. However, we still encourage spectators to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the event.

  • MC Ice Cream accepts card and cash payments.
  • Goodwin’s Coffee accepts card and cash payments.
  • Mow Cop Community Church accepts cash donations only.

Yes! We will be selling temporary transfer tattoos for kids at the start of the Junior Race for £1. It’s cash only payment. Kids can either take a tattoo home as a fun keepsake or put it on before the race! Please note that while we take care to use safe materials, we do not accept any responsibility for any reactions.

Additionally, a limited number of t-shirts will also be available for purchase on the night from Community Church on Top Station Road – priced at £10 for kids and £15 for adults.

Once you’ve crossed the finish line, there are plenty of great places nearby to grab a bite. For some tasty options and recommendations, take a look at our blog post on [Post-Race Refuelling: Great Places to Eat After the Mow Cop Killer Mile].

You can stay updated on future races by signing up for our newsletter, visiting our website regularly for announcements, and following us on social media.

To get ready for the Mow Cop Killer Mile, try to include some hill running in your practice. Focus on building your strength and endurance with some regular workouts, too. Check out our blog page for helpful training tips that make it easier to prepare for the event!

Yes, volunteers are essential to the success of the Mow Cop Killer Mile! If you’re interested in helping out, please use the contact information provided below to get in touch with the organisers.  

Email: [email protected]  

Phone: 0333 222 9701

You can reach us via the following emails:  

Email:  

General inquiries: [email protected]  

Public inquiries: [email protected]  

Volunteer inquiries: [email protected]  

Media inquiries: [email protected]  

Phone: 0333 222 9701

For the latest updates, please follow us on our social media platforms:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/killermile/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killer.mile_/  

X: https://x.com/killermile_  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@killermile_  

Still Have Questions?

Our event organisers are here to help! Feel free to reach out with any inquiries you have.

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