MADISON- Preparation has never been an issue for Drew Bell as he’s always been on the top of game when partaking in any athletic endeavor and on Oct. 1, he’ll be well prepped for his participation in the 2023 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

“Just to get the opportunity to continue on my journey is incredible,” said Bell.

The 57-year old Bell is currently ranked the No. 3 American and No. 23 in the World Rankings out of 220 ranked runners in the 55-59 age division. He will attempt the World Championship course set for Sugarloaf Resort in Maine where the tree-lined trails will be called upon in the marathon and half-marathon races to decide which elite and amateur runners will claim the $10,000 in prize money and end the season as the ZTERRA Trail Run Champion.

Bell qualified for the World Championship after he won three National Championships, one national runner-up and earned 17 All-American performances in 2023 including a qualifying run in May. At the XTERRA Half-Marathon Trail Run National Championships held at Oak Mountain State Park in nearby Pelham, he posted a runner-up time of 2:27:11 in the 55-59 age division, which qualified him for the race in Maine.

“This is what this journey has been about. Sharing Jesus along with loving and serving people,” said Bell, who heads up the track programs at James Clemens High. “I thought my running participation was over last year after battling COVID numerous times and battling other health issues, but God has a plan for me.”

That plan has put Bell in the World Championship where his goal is to finish as the top American and the top eight in the World to make the All-World Team in the 13.1-mile distance event. As always, he’ll be well prepared.