Tely Teasers

With the upcoming Tely Teaser non-sanctioned Good Friday fun run, here are some Tely Ten snippets to whet your appetite:
1922 ... First year the Tely was run. Total number of competitors 16.
1966 ... Tely route included Kenmount Rd, Prince Phillip Drive and New Cove Road.
1969 ... First female Tely runner: Jackie Kean, age 16
1975 ... Local legend Ben Dunne finishes first in the Tely in 56:01
1981 ... First year that commemorative cotton t-shirts were sold.
1985 ... Male course record set by Paul McCloy. 47:04. This record stands to this day.
1986 ... Female course record set by Nicola Will. 55:47. Record broken by Kate Bazeley in 2016.
1991 ... Harold St. Croix breaks 50 minute barrier. Yours truly runs first Tely in 1:23:17.
mid-2000s ... Tely Teaser Good Friday fun run started by Nautilus member Phil Gushue. Traditional run ended with a fish and chips and beer at the Big R on Harvey Road.
2016 ... 4350 runners finish in the largest Tely Ten field to date.

The Tely Ten has as many stories as there are runners. Modern legends such as Colin Fewer and Kate Bazeley have burned up the course for a number of years now. Older victors like Joe Ryan and Art Meaney have turned to coaching and mentoring younger local runners to impart their wisdom. The Tely route has changed routes a number of times with Joe Ryan winning in 1969 while looping the track at the old King George V soccer field near Quidi Vidi Lake. Can you even imagine doing that?

Joe Ryan will run his 45th Tely Ten this year. I will run my 15th. I had the good fortune to run with Joe several years ago at the Running Room. He has forgotten more about running than most of us could hope to know. He is always happy to share his advice with younger (or older) runners. Joe truly believes there are no hills in St. John's, just gentle inclines! He also brings an imaginary bungee cord on all long group runs to keep the group together. He is a true running inspiration!

Make sure you get out to run some or all of the Tely Teaser if you can. I realize it is held on a Holy Day and not all folks want to be away from their families or the Lord on that day. However, if you can, enjoy the camaraderie on the roads and trails with your fellow runners. We are all on this journey together, no matter the pace. You may even enjoy a fee and chee or a beer to celebrate!
See you on the road :-)