Tely 10 set for Nov. 1
Date for 93rd annual race switched because of COVID-19
The technical director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association understands as much as anyone a Nov. 1 running of the Tely 10 is “hit and miss” from a weather standpoint, but George Stanoev is confident the “calculated risk” of a fall running for this year’s 93rd race will work out.
“Typically, we’ve run cross-country and some other events at that time of year, and yes, it’s a chance you take (in terms of weather),” Stanoev said.
“You could have a hurricane, but at the same time, it could be nice temperatures and it could be nice and bright.
“We’ve had a nice fall the past few years.”
The NLAA announced late last week the 2020 Telegram 10-Mile Road Race — the 93rd annual Tely 10 — has been moved from its original date of July 26 to Nov. 1 because of COVID-19.
The new date, of course, drew some reaction from those concerned about the weather at that time of year.
One creative Twitter user suggested a new name for the event — the Chilly 10.
However, a glance through Environment Canada historical temperature data shows reasonable temps at 9:30 a.m. on the first of November for the past five years.
Last Nov. 1, 2019, temperatures were recorded at 15 degrees. From Nov. 1, 2018 to 2015, temps were 3.1 degrees, 10.9, 3.9 and 4.7.
“The weather is the weather,” said defending champ Colin Fewer. “We live in Newfoundland, right?”
Fewer won his fourth straight Tely title last summer, and has a record 12 championships.
The change in date actually works out for him in that had the original July 26 date remained in place, he would have been watching from the sidelines nursing nagging leg injuries.
As it stands, Nov. 1 isn’t so bad.
“I love the fall,” Fewer said. “That’s when we run crosscountry and for me, I’ve done well with cross-country from the get-go, going back to Memorial University AUS days.
“That time of year bodes well for me.”
Stanoev said a September running of the Tely was not an option because of the relative tight timeline, and whether approval would be granted from the provincial government.
The NLAA was looking at an October date, but did not want to conflict with other races scheduled that month, namely the Cape to Cabot 20K event.
“It’s very difficult to move an event,” he said, “because our season is so short.
“But we know how important the Tely 10 is for so many of our supporters, and we hope to provide them with the opportunity to experience this historic event in 2020,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to continue to stay active in their own bubble and to practice physical distancing while running/walking outdoors.”