THE DR. JOHN P. WILLIAMS AWARD

Presented in memory of Dr. John P. Williams to the Tely 10 participant who has inspired others through enthusiastic and spirited participation in the annual Telegram 10 Mile Road Race.

Honorary Dr. John P. Williams award for 2023 – winner Joe Ryan

This year, the Williams family decided to take a slightly different approach and also awarded an Honorary Dr. John P. Williams award to a particularly deserving nominee. They did this because the winner is such an integral component of the annual Tely 10.

He’s been known to run the race in a tuxedo.

Some call him “Mr. Tely 10”…. In fact, he once wrote a history of the Tely 10.

Over 25 seasons, he’s coached hundreds and inspired thousands.

This year he has just finished his 50th Tely 10!! Back in 1969, he won the Tely 10.

Joe would be humble about this… his name appears 21 times in the Tely 10 top 1,000 All-Fastest times recorded (1922 to 2023), with a Personal Record (PR) of 51:33.

He’s been committed to the Tely 10 in particular for decades, having served on the organizing committee for many years, including as Chair. To help fellow runners of all skill levels prep for race day, he has personally coached groups of runners for 25 seasons to achieve Tely 10 finish lines. That’s dedication. Participants note that these clinics are well-planned and include a variety of skill development drills. He is known for encouragement via mantras: "Relax and flow along," "Be grateful," and "Run for those who can't," with the odd Dad joke thrown in for good measure.

Many Tely 10 participants and fans know that Joe has spent a lifetime inspiring people to become active. He’s well known for going above and beyond to make himself available to walk/run with individuals who need extra motivation based on their busy schedules.

Joe even created his own running group, fittingly named "Friends on the Run," to motivate countless people in a group running setting to become active and give them the confidence to complete walks/runs/races that they otherwise thought were impossible for them to achieve. It is a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of age and ability.

He’s always seen with a broad smile on his face while telling a joke, sharing a story, or reciting a limerick to keep everyone included and motivated for the task at hand.

As the nomination read…. I could not think of a better candidate who has inspired so many people in many ways as it relates to the Tely 10 race itself. What a fantastic accomplishment for one of Newfoundland's running treasures!

To be eligible for this award, the candidate:

• must have participated in the Tely 10 road race at least once
• must have specifically motivated others to participate in the Tely 10, either by walking or running or as a wheelchair participant
• must by participation in the Tely 10 have inspired and motivated others to become physically active

The candidate may be someone who:

• began regular exercise at an advanced age
• overcame a serious emotional or physical challenge in life
• or began exercising while recovering from a serious or life-threatening illness

Submission deadline

• Nominations must be sent to Patricia Williams by Monday, June 3, 2024.
• Please send the nomination via email in Microsoft Word format or Portable Document Format (PDF). Please ensure that the following information is submitted along with the nomination:
  1. Nominee
     • Name
     • Address
     • City/Town
     • Province & Postal Code
     • Telephone
  2. Nominator
     • Name
     • Address
     • City/Town
     • Province & Postal Code
     • Telephone
     • E-mail
  3. Reason for the nomination
  4. Date & Signature of Nominator

Nominations

• Candidates for this award may be nominated by any Tely 10 participant or a member of the Organizing Committee.
• All nominations will be carefully considered and voted on by a Selection Committee with the winner decided by majority vote.