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.

Nomination deadline - Monday, June 8, 2026.

2025 Winner of the Dr. John P. Williams Award – Judy Furlong-Mallard

This year’s winner was nominated by a long-time friend and colleague – that’s very typical of people who win this prestigious award.

In recognition of the countless runners she has inspired and mentored, and the lives she has changed in the process, we are pleased to announce that Judy Furlong-Mallard is the 2025 winner of the Dr. John P. Williams Award.

Come on up to accept this award Judy.

Meanwhile, let’s tell you a little of her running story.

The nomination spoke to Judy’s long time passion for running, especially the Tely 10. Judy has graciously hosted post - Tely receptions for runners and their families and supporters. For her, it isn’t just about the race but about creating a strong community celebrating their personal successes.

She and other education colleagues committed to running after a long school day. Their positive energy and smiles were infectious. Soon other colleagues joined, and Judy naturally became their mentor. She would always say encouragingly, “Anyone can do it! If you can walk, you can run!”.

Judy was into it! She readily offered to run with the newbie running group, generously, suggesting routes and strategies for skill development, including training plans to build endurance. Her positive and encouraging words motivated many. People forgot about feeling intimidated and instead found a sense of pride because someone believed in their potential.

Over the years, her enthusiasm fostered a running culture within the school. Others joined and while the members might run at different paces, they would always start together to ensure a positive experience for everyone. That was particularly important to Judy.

This momentum has continued for years. She and that group have gone on to complete both half and full marathons… something they initially thought would be impossible.

Her philosophy is that running is a privilege and she loved sharing it with others.

Life can provide us all with many challenges along our journey….Judy has continued to run through some of life's most challenging times. She understood that getting a run in and focusing on completing the Tely provided a much-needed respite, allowing her to process struggles and loss. Many of us can certainly relate to this perspective.

As a mentor she taught practical skills, like how to tackle hills and push through at the end of a run; or how to ensure you respect running etiquette, like acknowledging fellow runners with a hello or a wave; and , ensuring safety by making eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Like so many of you here today, we understand that a favorite element of the event after finishing and receiving her medal, she loved heading back towards the Basilica. It was not only where her family cheered her on for the final stretch but also a fantastic spot to watch other finishers.

She goes to the Basilica to specifically encourage those who were struggling, especially first-timers whose lives were often profoundly changed by the race. While many focus on celebrating the winners, Judy's heart is with the average person who dared to participate and the first-time runners who achieved their goal. This is a truly rare quality.

Congratulations Judy!!

Presenting the award is Patricia Williams, one of Dr. Williams’ three children.

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 8, 2026.
• 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.