We talk to an unsung hero of the cross-country scene who just lately finished his a centesimal consecutive Met League race
Ten years in the past Bertie Powell gave the impression within the pages of AW after scoring in 50 Met Go Nation League races at the trot. “The odds of an athlete ‘doing a Bertie’ are roughly 10 million to one,” wrote Will Cockerell within the article, regarding the wounds and sicknesses that afflict maximum runners.
A decade later and Powell continues to be going sturdy. Actually, on November 30 in Uxbridge he finished his a centesimal consecutive race within the Get started Health-sponsored Met League. “I didn’t believe it was achievable, really,” he says. “It’s unbelievable.”
Operating for Woodford Inexperienced with Essex Women, Powell has been a scorer for his membership in 92 of the ones 100 races. The nerve harm he suffered after a fall within the Nationwide Go Nation Championships at Parliament Hill 3 years in the past is going some solution to accounting for his most effective marginally lower than very best document. The twist of fate ended in him having a weakened leg and he pulled his hamstring initially of probably the most Met League races. Undeterred, he limped on and walked to the end.
Bertie Powell (Graham Smith)
Through the years he’s raced regardless of having flu and different accidents. Such dedication has ended in him being thought to be one thing of a legend inside of his membership. Powell says he merely likes to run and thank you his long-time trainer Mick Woods, his circle of relatives and, as a Christian, God for the power to nonetheless race at a excellent degree elderly 38.
“I really enjoy the team element,” he says. “My running has always been more about helping the team rather than simply becoming a better runner myself.”
Powell, who lives close to Victoria Park in Hackney, north London, loves the British cross-country scene. “I find track running a little boring as you’re just going around in circles,” he says. “It’s not as interesting as cross country. I like the fresh air and testing courses.”
Bertie Powell (Graham Smith)
His favorite lessons? He has fond reminiscences of racing at Welwyn Lawn Town as an adolescent and, extra just lately, on Horsenden Hill. “I like all courses, though,” he provides, “They all have their own challenges.”
So what goals stay for the preferred membership runner? He says he want to achieve 100 Met League races as a scoring runner. Changing into a lifestyles member of his membership someday is every other dream.
“I’ve always looked up to the life members,” he says. “They didn’t just run but have been good volunteers and given something back to the sport. I’d like to do that.”
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