Drew Bell of Madison finished 13th in the World Masters Athletics 10K road race on March 29 in Gainesville, Fla.
Bell, 59, was 13th in the Men’s Age 55-59 division. He was 70th overall in the field of 167. Bell hit his first 5K split in 21:15 and was 21:21 in the final three miles. He is the Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach at James Clemens High School.
The World Masters Athletics championships offer indoor and outdoor events. Indoor events include track and some field events, such as the pole vault. Outdoors events include longer running events such as the 10K and 10K Race Walk. The masters designation indicates athletes age 35 and older.
In a Facebook post after the event, Bell wrote, “Praise to Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. I ran my 2nd-fastest time in 10 years on a hilly slow course (4 hills over interstate bridges and 28 turns). I had ran 45:51 in Cotton Row 10K. I needed under 44:20 and top 8 American to make All American. I finished 7th American as All American! I ran 42:36. My 5K Split 21:15 2nd 5K split 21:21 even pace! I had a great game plan! Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!”
Bell was part of the All Pan-Am team last summer.
See the men’s 10K results here.
The 2026 championships will be August 22-September 3 in Daegu, South Korea.
MAIN PHOTO: Drew Bell of Madison (center) runs in the World Masters Athletics 10K in Gainesville, Fla. He finished 13th in the American division and 70th overall.
