Big moments at Tely 10
Fewer makes history; Murrin has first win
Colin Fewer ran into the Tely 10 history books with his 10th championship, while Jennifer Murrin penned her opening few paragraphs in the race annals with her first win Sunday in St. John’s.
The 90th version of The Telegram 10-Mile Road Race — the Tely 10 — was held under glorious weather conditions, at 14 C under sunny skies with winds from the south at 33 kilometres.
“It was a bit breezy,” said Murrin from St. John’s, the women’s winner, “but it was refreshing.”
While Murrin’s time of 57:14 puts her in the top 10 of all-time clockings amongst female runners, the big news yesterday at the Bannerman Park finish involved Fewer, who’s 10th championship surpassed Pat Kelly, a Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Famer.
What’s more, Fewer did it with a personal-best time of 49:41, the sixth-quickest time ever recorded. It’s also a news masters record in the Tely.
“It’s pretty special,” Fewer said of the record, “especially considering Pat Kelly was such a remarkable athlete.
“This is something I’ll remember for a long time.”
Fewer, from Paradise, beat out two-time winner and Windsor, Ont. native Matt Loiselle, who clocked in at 50:27. David Freake of St. John’s was third in a time of 51:22, while Marystown native Grant Handrgan, who is currently a professor at the University of Moncton, placed fourth in 52:05. Mark Greene of St. John’s rounded out the top five with a 53:14 showing.
Lisa Collins-sheppard was the second female across the finish line in 59:45. Veteran distance runner Caroline Mcilroy was third, in 59:52. Jennifer Barron placed fourth in 61.05 followed by Karen Stacey in 62.01.
Registration was off a bit from last year, with 4,811 runners and walkers signing up for 2017. The 2016 race drew 4,912.
On Sunday, 4,319 entrants finished the race.
“Every year,” said race director Randy Ball, “there’s always 200 or 300 bibs not picked up, and I don’t know why.”
Ball said between 30-35 refunds were also distributed this year.