We speak to an unsung hero of the cross-country scene who recently completed his 100th consecutive Met League race

Ten years ago Bertie Powell appeared in the pages of AW after scoring in 50 Met Cross Country League races on the trot. “The odds of an athlete ‘doing a Bertie’ are roughly 10 million to one,” wrote Will Cockerell in the article, referring to the injuries and illnesses that afflict most runners.

A decade later and Powell is still going strong. In fact, on November 30 in Uxbridge he completed his 100th consecutive race in the Start Fitness-sponsored Met League. “I didn’t believe it was achievable, really,” he says. “It’s unbelievable.”

Running for Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, Powell has been a scorer for his club in 92 of those 100 races. The nerve damage he suffered after a fall in the National Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill three years ago goes some way to accounting for his only marginally less than perfect record. The accident led to him having a weakened leg and he pulled his hamstring at the start of one of the Met League races. Undeterred, he limped on and walked to the finish.

Over the years he’s raced despite having flu and other injuries. Such commitment has led to him being regarded as something of a legend within his club. Powell says he simply loves to run and thanks his long-time coach Mick Woods, his family and, as a Christian, God for the ability to still race at a good level aged 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 near 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.”

His favourite courses? He has fond memories of racing at Welwyn Garden City as a teenager and, more recently, on Horsenden Hill. “I like all courses, though,” he adds, “They all have their own challenges.”

So what targets remain for the popular club runner? He says he would like to reach 100 Met League races as a scoring runner. Becoming a life member of his club one day is another 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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