On Saturday, 100-year-old <sturdy>Roy Allen</sturdy> made Ottawa Race Weekend historical past, ending the Tamarack 5K in 1:47:19 along with his household strolling beside him. The Ottawa-based runner is now the oldest individual, and the primary centenarian, to finish the occasion in Canadian historical past.
Allen used a walker on the course, with members of the family by his aspect all through the race, and spectators (many with indicators) cheering him by the streets.
A 5K with an even bigger goal
Allen’s was tackling the occasion to boost cash for 4 organizations which have supported him and his 94-year-old spouse, Melba: the Council on Growing old of Ottawa, the Dementia Society, Perley Well being Basis and the Gloucester 50+ Centre.
Earlier than the race, Allen advised CTV Information that he had raised greater than $12,000. “It’s good to have the ability to do it and to be elevating cash for these different individuals,” Allen stated. Melba lives at Perley Well being, one of many organizations included within the fundraiser.
Quebec’s Florence Caron dominates Canadian 10K Championship in debut
Group 100 hits the course
Eight members of the family joined Allen throughout the race, together with his daughter, Sara Bercier, and several other grandchildren. The household walked with him as “Group 100” and had been cheered alongside the route. Bercier advised the Ottawa Citizen that her father credit his longevity to some easy habits: he by no means smoked, by no means drank and smiled typically. Allen has additionally stayed energetic all through his whole life, with a background that features gymnastics, swimming, common strolling and mobility workout routines.
His household helped him put together for race day by taking turns strolling with him on the mall. The course’s uphill sections, they stated, had been a shock. Allen advised CTV Information the individuals round him helped preserve him shifting. “They’re actually my encouragement there. I can’t presumably give up,” he stated.
A busy opening day in Ottawa
Allen’s 5K got here on the primary day of the Ottawa Race Weekend, which included the Youngsters Marathon, 2K, 5K and 10K, with hundreds of runners taking on town’s streets. Practically 1,900 kids took half within the Youngsters Marathon earlier within the day.
For Allen, Saturday’s journey is simply the start. Publish-race, he stated he deliberate to return again and do it once more subsequent yr.
To study extra or help Allen’s “Group 100” fundraiser, head right here.