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.^[2][4] He was buried at St Faith's Church in St Paul's Cathedral Churchyard, after a walking funeral procession.^[4][5]

In 1773 he walked 400 miles from London to York and back, and in 1788 walked 100 miles in 21 hours 35 minutes. He also ran 2 miles in 10 minutes.^[4]