We communicate to an unsung hero of the cross-country scene who not too long ago accomplished his 100th consecutive Met League race
Ten years in the past Bertie Powell appeared within the pages of AW after scoring in 50 Met Cross Nation League races on the trot. “The percentages of an athlete ‘doing a Bertie’ are roughly 10 million to 1,” wrote Will Cockerell within the article, referring to the accidents and sicknesses that afflict most runners.
A decade later and Powell continues to be going sturdy. In reality, on November 30 in Uxbridge he accomplished his 100th consecutive race within the Begin Health-sponsored Met League. “I didn’t consider it was achievable, actually,” he says. “It’s unbelievable.”
Working for Woodford Inexperienced with Essex Women, Powell has been a scorer for his membership in 92 of these 100 races. The nerve injury he suffered after a fall within the Nationwide Cross Nation Championships at Parliament Hill three years in the past goes some method to accounting for his solely marginally lower than good document. The accident led to him having a weakened leg and he pulled his hamstring initially of one of many Met League races. Undeterred, he limped on and walked to the end.
Bertie Powell (Graham Smith)
Over time he’s raced regardless of having flu and different accidents. Such dedication has led to him being considered one thing of a legend inside his membership. Powell says he merely likes to run and thanks his long-time coach Mick Woods, his household and, as a Christian, God for the flexibility to nonetheless race at a superb degree aged 38.
“I actually benefit from the crew aspect,” he says. “My operating has all the time been extra about serving to the crew slightly than merely changing into a greater runner myself.”
Powell, who lives close to Victoria Park in Hackney, north London, loves the British cross-country scene. “I discover observe operating a bit boring as you’re simply going round in circles,” he says. “It’s not as fascinating as cross nation. I just like the recent air and testing programs.”
Bertie Powell (Graham Smith)
His favorite programs? He has fond recollections of racing at Welwyn Backyard Metropolis as a young person and, extra not too long ago, on Horsenden Hill. “I like all programs, although,” he provides, “All of them have their very own challenges.”
So what targets stay for the favored membership runner? He says he want to attain 100 Met League races as a scoring runner. Turning into a life member of his membership in the future is one other dream.
“I’ve all the time appeared as much as the life members,” he says. “They didn’t simply run however have been good volunteers and given one thing again to the game. I’d like to try this.”
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