Foster Powell

Foster Powell (1734–15 April 1793) was the first notable exponent of long-distance walking known as pedestrianism[1] and has been called "the first English athlete of whom we have any record".

[2] Powell started the focus on walking/running for six days and is considered the "Father of the Six-Day Race".

[3] Powell was baptized in Horsforth in 1734, and moved to London in 1762 where he worked as a lawyer's clerk.

[1][4] In 1764 he began his pedestrian career by wagering that he could walk 50 miles in 7 hours, which he accomplished on the Bath Road.

[5] He became a national celebrity, but made very little money from walking, which he treated as a hobby, and died in relative poverty at the age of 59 on 15 April 1793.