Runners urged to conquer this year's Killer Mile and shatter decades-old records
Organisers of a popular one-mile challenge in Staffordshire are encouraging runners to become history-makers and break the course records which have stood for more than three decades - and there's a £1,000 prize up for grabs.
First held in 1982, The Killer Mile will take place on Thursday 8 May and features an exhilarating 570-foot climb with a 25% gradient, finishing at the car park below Mow Cop Castle.
The records for the race have remained unchallenged for over 30 years in both the male and female categories. They are held by Bashir Hussain with a record of six minutes and 12 seconds in 1991 and Shireen Barbour with a record of seven minutes and 54 seconds in 1992.
This year, the event's sponsor Chaffinch and the Mow Cop Runners have each pledged £1,000 for the male and female who can break the long-standing records.
Race organiser, Geoff Pettengell of Mow Cop Runners, added: "I have been fortunate enough to be involved with the race from the beginning, and each year I've wondered if this will be the year a new record is set.
"It would be fantastic if Bashir and Shireen's records could be broken.
"We have received tremendous interest this year, not only from participants but also from community members and sponsors, for which we are extremely grateful."
Trophies will be presented in various age categories within the Elite Race, and first finishers from the Fun Runs and Junior Race will also be celebrated.
In the Elite Race, winners will receive a £150 shoe voucher, premium sweatshirts or hoodies for second place, and premium socks for third. There will also be prizes for the first under-18 participants.
Alastair Machin, CEO of headline sponsor Chaffinch, said: "This year, with our support, we aimed to make the event bigger and better than ever.
"The men's and women's course records have stood for over 30 years, and we hope that 2025 will be the year when new records are set.
"Record breakers won't just make history at the Killer Mile; they'll also earn £1,000.
"I would like to thank all our sponsors, including Running Bear, Thirst Aid Bars and DJH, for their generosity.
"Their support has allowed us to increase the prize money and offer some exciting prizes."
Continuing its tradition of giving back, the Killer Mile will donate race proceeds to three charities in the Mow Cop community: Greyhound Gap, St. Luke's Community Group, and Mow Cop Community Church. Mow Cop Runners will also receive a small donation to support their activities.
As well, new for this year, for every child who enters the Junior Race, their school will be entered into a prize draw for one of three £100 book tokens.
Participants are encouraged to be part of this historic event—the 37th in 44 years! Whether aiming for a record or enjoying a fun run, there's something for everyone.
Spots can be secured by visiting killermile.com, but act quickly, as the event is limited to just 1,000 runners, and spaces are filling up fast.
For further inquiries, please contact [email protected].
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