The Tely 10: A Complete Guide for Runners and Spectators
Proud to Support the Tely 10, One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Recognized Races
The Tely 10 is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most celebrated traditions. Each summer, runners, wheelchair athletes, volunteers, and spectators come together for an event that’s about more than distance. It’s about community, commitment, and showing up year after year.
O’Dea Earle is proud to be an official partner of the Tely 10. As a law firm with deep roots in Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting events like this reflects the kind of community we’ve been part of for decades.
The race itself is a 10-mile course that begins in Paradise, runs through Mount Pearl, and finishes in St. John’s, drawing participants from across the province and beyond. For some, it’s a competitive challenge. For others, it’s about reaching a personal goal. For many, it’s simply part of the rhythm of summer in the St. John’s area.
To support that experience, we’ve created this guide for new runners, experienced runners, and everyone in between, with helpful information on the race, how to prepare, and what to expect on race day.
That sense of preparation and follow-through is something we understand well. O’Dea Earle has been part of the legal landscape in this province for decades, building relationships through steady, reliable work and a long-standing presence in the community.
Whether it’s on the course or in our work with clients, we recognize the value of putting in the effort, staying the course, and seeing things through.
We’re proud to stand alongside the Tely 10 and the people who make it what it is, year after year.
Tely 10 Race Day Guide
What to expect on race day
The Tely 10 is a point-to-point race, which makes race day a little different from a typical looped course. Planning ahead, especially around transportation and timing, can make a big difference in your experience.
The race begins at 8:00 am in Paradise and finishes in St. John’s near Bannerman Park. Wheelchair athletes begin just before the main start. With thousands of participants on the course, race morning is busy, but well organized. Below is our guide to a successful race day based on our experience participating and cheering on the Tely 10.
Getting to the Start Line
Because the race does not start and finish in the same location, most participants rely on organized transportation.
- Shuttle buses run from two locations in St. John’s: the Intact Insurance parking lot (10 Factory Lane) and the Confederation Building
- Buses operate on a load-and-go basis between approximately 6:15 am and 7:00 am
- You must purchase your bus ticket during registration and show your race number to board
If you’re being dropped off:
- Drop-off is permitted between 6:30 am and 7:45 am in designated areas in Paradise
- Traffic patterns are controlled, so it’s important to review official directions in advance
Parking near the start is extremely limited, and side-street parking is not permitted. Shuttle or carpooling is strongly recommended.
Plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before the race. Between buses, corrals, baggage, and washrooms, everything takes a bit longer than expected.
Give yourself more time than you think you need. A relaxed start makes a big difference.
Before the Race Starts
A few small details can make race morning smoother:
- Bring your race bib and pins, and make sure your bib is clearly visible on the front
- Fill out the emergency information on the back of your bib
- Be mindful of your timing chip. Avoid covering it or crossing your arms over it when passing timing mats
Participants will be called into corrals based on expected finish times, with announcements at approximately 20 minutes and 10 minutes before the start.
Starting in the right corral helps keep the race safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Baggage and Warm-Up Clothing
If you’re bringing extra layers for the morning, baggage buses are available near the start line.
- Clearly tag your bag using the label attached to your bib
- Drop your bag at the correct bus before 7:45 am
- Baggage will be transported to the finish area near Bannerman Park
You’ll need your bib number to claim your bag after the race, so don’t remove or discard it.
Avoid placing valuables in your bag.
What to Bring
Keeping things simple is usually the best approach.
- Comfortable, broken-in running shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing. Conditions can change quickly
- Your race bib and safety pins
- Sunscreen. Much of the course is exposed, with limited shade
Avoid trying anything new on race day, especially when it comes to gear or nutrition.
Spectator Tips
The Tely 10 is just as much a spectator event as it is a race.
- Bannerman Park is a popular finish-line gathering spot
- There are several viewing areas along the route through Mount Pearl and into St. John’s
- Plan ahead for road closures and limited access points
Seeing a familiar face near the finish line can go a long way.
Finish Line Experience
Crossing the finish line at the Tely 10 is something people remember.
There’s a strong sense of accomplishment, whether you’re chasing a time or simply finishing the distance. The atmosphere around the finish area is supportive, with volunteers, spectators, and fellow participants all contributing to the experience.
Take a few minutes to walk, recover, and take it in.
One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Iconic Races
The Tely 10 is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most recognizable sporting traditions and one of the oldest road races in Canada. First run in 1922, it has become a fixture of the local calendar and a race that generations of people across the province know by name.
Today, the race covers 10 miles from Paradise through Mount Pearl and into St. John’s, finishing near Bannerman Park. That route, along with the event’s long history, has made the Tely 10 more than just a race. For many, it is a personal goal, a summer tradition, a community event, and a milestone that stays with them long after race day.
Part of what makes the Tely 10 special is its staying power. It has continued through generations, pausing only during the Second World War years and the COVID-19 disruption in 2020. Even with course changes, weather challenges, and shifting race dates in recent years, the event has remained a major part of the province’s running culture.
It is also a race with real scale. In recent years, the event has regularly drawn thousands of runners and walkers, with 4,094 finishers in 2025 and more than 4,300 finishers in some earlier peak years. That level of participation speaks to the place the Tely 10 holds in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is competitive enough to attract top runners, but welcoming enough that finishing the course remains a meaningful goal for participants of all experience levels.
The history of the race is also filled with memorable performances and local legends. The men’s course record remains Paul McCloy’s 47:04 from 1985, while the women’s course record was set by Kate Bazeley in 2025 with a time of 53:32. Across different eras, the race has reflected both the province’s elite running talent and the broader growth of road racing as a community sport.
For those interested in learning more, we encourage you to read the full official history of the Tely 10, written by Joe Ryan, which offers a deeper look at the people, milestones, and moments that have shaped the race over the years.
Ready to take on the Tely 10?
The Tely 10 continues to bring people together each year. If you’re planning to be part of it, registration is the first step.
Training for the Tely 10
A 10-mile race can feel like a big step, especially if you haven’t run that distance before. But every year, thousands of people line up for the Tely 10 with very different levels of experience.
Some have been running for years. Others are doing it for the first time.
What they have in common is that they gave themselves time to prepare.
If you train consistently, build up gradually, and stay patient, this is a distance that a lot of people can work toward. You don’t need to be a lifelong runner to take part.
Start With a Plan
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. A simple training plan can give you structure and help you build confidence as race day approaches.
Popular options include:
- The Official Tely 10 Training Plan
- Hal Higdon training plans (widely used beginner to advanced programs)
- Outside Online 10 mile training plan (a practical, step-by-step approach to building up to the distance)
Train With a Local Running Group
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to run with other people. There’s a strong and welcoming running community across the St. John’s area, with groups that include a mix of experience levels.
Local options include:
- Athletics Northeast
- Paradise Running Club
- QV Tely Ten Club
- Mile One Run Club
- Sisters in Fitness
- Inferno Runners Running Club
- Stride Running NL
Running with a group can help with consistency, give you access to advice, and make training more enjoyable. It also makes it a lot easier to stick with it on the days when motivation is low.
A Few Practical Tips
- Start slower than you think you need to. Building gradually is what gets you to the start line feeling good
- Focus on consistency over intensity. A few steady runs each week goes a long way
- Don’t worry too much about pace early on. Time on your feet matters more
- Expect some ups and downs in training. That’s part of the process
A Quick Note on Safety
Training for a race is a physical challenge, and it’s important to approach it in a way that makes sense for your own health and fitness level.
If you have any underlying medical conditions, concerns about injury, or are new to regular physical activity, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting a training program.
Listening to your body and building up gradually can help reduce the risk of injury and make the experience more enjoyable overall.
About O’Dea Earle
When you need a lawyer, you are looking for one thing above all else:
Trust.
Trust that you are being taken care of.
Trust that what is at stake is clearly understood.
Trust that the advice you are receiving is sound.
Trust that the people representing you know what they are doing.
O’Dea Earle is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s longest-standing law firms. That history reflects decades of showing up, doing the work properly, and earning the confidence of the people we represent.
Our work spans accident and personal injury law, employment law, real estate, wills and estates, administrative law, corporate and commercial law, criminal law, family law, and civil litigation. Experience and a strong understanding of the law allow us to provide clear, practical advice when it matters most.
In our injury practice, trust is everything. When someone is hurt, they need clear answers, steady guidance, and someone who knows what comes next. We handle the process, explain each step, and protect our clients’ interests from start to finish.
We are a firm built in Newfoundland and Labrador. We understand how people live and work here, and what is at stake when something goes wrong.
When you work with O’Dea Earle, you are heard. You are informed. You are supported.
Trust O’Dea Earle.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Tely Ten
No. As a sanctioned Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association (NLAA) event, headphones of any kind, including open-ear, earbuds, or over-ear devices, are not permitted. Wearing them can result in disqualification.
The 2026 Tely 10 is scheduled for June 28, 2026.
2027 – June 27
2028 – June 25
2029 – June 24
2030 – June 23
The Tely 10 is typically held on the fourth Sunday in June.
The Tely 10 is a 10-mile road race, which is approximately 16.1 kilometres.
Registration is completed through the official Tely 10 website. Spots are limited and typically fill quickly, so early registration is recommended. You can register here.
The Tely 10 begins at 8:00 am sharp on Topsail Road in Paradise, near Octagon Pond.
Wheelchair athletes start just ahead of the main field at approximately 7:57 am, with runners and walkers following at 8:00 am.
The start area is closed to regular traffic, and most participants arrive by shuttle bus from St. John’s or through designated drop-off areas.
Yes. Walkers are welcome to participate, provided they are able to complete the course within three and a half hours.
After 10:30 am, walkers are required to move onto sidewalks and follow normal traffic rules. Participants should also move to the sidewalks if they become separated from the main group.
Participants are organized into starting corrals based on their expected finish time.
- A 20-minute warning is given before the start, at which point participants should move into their assigned corral
- A second warning is given at 10 minutes before the start
- Participants should line up according to their anticipated finish time, with faster runners at the front and others following in sequence
Your race bib must be clearly visible on the front of your clothing at all times.
At the start, take care as you cross the timing mats and move with the flow of participants. As the race spreads out, runners and walkers are expected to keep to the right-hand side of the road.
The Tely 10 is a point-to-point course that starts in Paradise and finishes in St. John’s near Bannerman Park.
The route generally trends downhill, but it’s not flat. There are gradual inclines along the way, including a noticeable uphill section just after Road De Luxe that can catch people off guard if they go out too fast.
The course follows Topsail Road through Paradise, continues along Cornwall Avenue and into Mount Pearl, then moves through LeMarchant Road, Harvey Road, and Military Road before turning onto Bannerman Road for the finish.
Overall, it’s a fair course, but one that rewards steady pacing and a bit of patience early on.
You can view the full route with commentary below:
Spectators are welcome along the entire route, and there are plenty of great spots to watch and support runners from start to finish.
Some popular viewing areas include:
- Paradise near Coffee Matters (close to the start)
- Mount Pearl near Atlantic Home Furnishings
- The Commonwealth Avenue and Topsail Road intersection
- The halfway mark near Steele Chrysler
- The Cowan Avenue and Topsail Road intersection
- The Village Mall area
- The incline from Road De Luxe to Cornwall Avenue (a great place to encourage runners)
- The fire station on Military Road
- The Basilica and surrounding area
- The final few kilometres heading into Bannerman Park
The finish area near Bannerman Park is one of the busiest and most energetic spots on race day, with large crowds and a strong atmosphere as runners come across the line.
If you’re planning to move between locations, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, as road closures can make access between areas more difficult.
The Tely 10 is now held in late June, which often brings favourable running conditions, but this is still Newfoundland and Labrador.
Temperatures can range from the mid-teens to the low 20s, and conditions can change quickly. Wind is common, and rain is always a possibility that time of year.
The best approach is to be prepared for a range of conditions. Having a couple of clothing options ready for race morning can make a big difference in your comfort and performance.