In honour and recognition of Les Williams’ 50th league season, the Victorian Athletic League (VAL) will institute the Les Williams Award, which will be presented annually on presentation night to the Best and Fairest Masters athlete across the VAL season.

Les Williams, 67, has had a remarkable professional running career, which has taken the Golden Beach local across the nation and the globe to compete in countless events.

Turning professional in 1973 as a 16-year-old, Williams has won 69 sashes across 50 seasons in the VAL, most recently winning the Wangaratta Open 800m handicap in January 2023 and being awarded VAL Distance Athlete of the Year in 1994/95, 1995/96, 1996/97, and 1998/99.

In 1983, Williams won the 400m at Stawell, the 1600m at Bendigo in 2002, the 400m at Bendigo in 1980 and 1988 and the Zatopek Mile in 2001.

Williams has won every Victorian Masters’ Gold Medal from 400m to 10 Mile, including track, road races, and cross country, since turning 60, and finished sixth in the World Masters’ Athletics 800m Final in Perth in 2016.

Acknowledging and recognising the significance of Williams’ 50-season milestone, an achievement the VAL says demonstrates his incredible athletic durability and resilience, the VAL will institute the Les Williams Award, with the 67-year-old athlete also being awarded a Life Membership of the VAL.

The president of the VAL, Matthew McDonough, said Williams was an extraordinary athlete who is still making significant contributions to the sport. Now was the perfect time to celebrate his career after the official release of Les Williams’ biography, ‘Les’, earlier this year.

“The award would be a fitting tribute to honour his competitive performances and sportsmanship over 50 years within the VAL,” McDonough said.

“The VAL congratulates and thanks Les Williams on his 50 seasons. His impact is substantial on the VAL and the sport of running in Victoria and Australia.

“We are so delighted Kerrie Cross chose to invest time and research to document Les’ story. Les is such a colourful character from our sport and synonymous with professional running.”

The calibre of recognition for his athletic achievements has taken Williams aback.

“I did not think I would make it to 50 seasons,” Williams said. “I am very honoured to have an award named after me.

“Hopefully, I will make it to 60.”

Williams looks forward to travelling to Scotland in August to compete in the Highland Games.