A Glimpse into History
The story of the Mow Cop Killer Mile begins in the vibrant running scene of the late 1970s. During this time, members of the ICL (Kidsgrove) Athletics Club frequently used the steep inclines of Mow Cop for long training runs. Ambitious road and fell runner John Britton, a well-known local orienteer working at the ICL plant in Kidsgrove, saw an opportunity to create something unique in the competitive running calendar. Inspired by the thrilling performances seen in the downhill New York 5th Avenue Mile, he envisioned a new challenge that would test the mettle of runners—a gruelling one-mile race paying homage to the rugged terrain of Mow Cop.
Crafting the Concept
On a drizzly day, armed with a surveyor’s wheel borrowed from his friend Pete Goodfellow, Britton scouted potential routes. The result was thrilling: an exact mile with a staggering elevation gain of over 550 feet, known across running circles as the ultimate “Fell-Runner’s Revenge.” He decided to hold this “novelty” event mid-week in spring, a time when local runners could embrace its unique challenge away from more conventional races.
The Race Route
The Mow Cop Killer Mile course is a rollercoaster of a route broken into several sections:
- It starts with a gentle quarter-mile stretch.
- The route quickly ramps up to a punishing 1-in-5 slope as runners head towards Birch Tree Lane.
- From there, it’s a steady climb through the fields, leading to the infamous 1-in-4 section outside the former Cheshire View pub.
- Even the supposedly flat section towards the end still inclines, where spectators witness the surreal sight of athletes “sprinting” at a snail’s pace.
Its Inauguration
The inaugural event took place on April 14, 1982, a Wednesday evening, attracting a modest field of 95 club runners. Martin Bishop of Staffordshire Moorlands AC secured victory in a time of 6:50, marking the beginning of what would become a legendary race. As the years passed and the ‘running boom’ of the 1980s took hold, the number of competitors steadily increased, and winning times gradually decreased. Sponsorship from ICL, offering valuable early personal computer systems as prizes, attracted top UK national runners and Olympians, helping to elevate the race’s profile.
Records and Recognitions
The Mow Cop Killer Mile not only showcased local talent but also drew elite athletes who shattered records:
- 1985: Jack Maitland (Leeds) set the men’s record – 6:31.
- 1987: Roger Hackney broke the record – 6:17.
- 1990: Andy Wilton lowered the time – 6:14.
- 1991: Bashir Hussain set the current men’s record – 6:12.
- 1988: Jayne Spark set the women’s record – 8:06.
- 1990: Sandra Bentley improved the women’s record – 7:56.
- 1992: Shireen Barbour set the current women’s record – 7:54.
Numbers peaked in 1988, with about 1,000 competitors taking part in several evening races. However, by the end of the decade, participation began to decline along with winning times.
A Sense of Community
The Mow Cop Killer Mile was not just about record-breaking performances. The event grew into a celebration of community spirit. Fun additions like the “Not-a-Lot-of-Fun Runs,” where participants donned fancy dress and attempted challenges such as three-legged races or running backwards, embraced the playful chaos that ensued.
A Sad Hiatus
Through the 1990s, John Pointon took over as the race organiser. However, like many races, it faced challenges in maintaining a lively turnout. The national foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001 led to the cancellation of the race, marking the end of the ICL era. It wasn’t until 2005 that the Mow Cop Residents Association (MCRA) revived the race, primarily focusing on community and fundraising activities. This iteration saw success but eventually faced its own disbanding.
A New Beginning
In 2017, a renewed effort led by local residents, including Marion Cooke and various community groups like Mow Cop Runners and Kidsgrove Rotary, reinstated the race after a hiatus. Andrew Addis of Mow Cop Runners took on the role of Race Director, ensuring that the event’s legacy was preserved while adapting to modern needs. Unfortunately, the races were halted again in 2020 due to COVID-19.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, increasing numbers of competitors are returning to the event, bolstered by prize money aimed at breaking the men’s and women’s records. Chaffinch, a Stoke-on-Trent business led by CEO Alastair Machin from Mow Cop, has come on board as a sponsor to enhance the race experience. The event continues to be a significant community gathering, with hundreds of children and families participating in under-12 events and fun runs.
This iconic race is a testament to the passion, determination, and community spirit that defines the running world, reminding us that every mile, no matter how tough, tells a story worth sharing.