One-hundred-year-old Roy Allen is set to become the first centenarian to walk 5K during the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Allen is raising funds for seniors’ organizations that have supported his wife, Melba, who has dementia.
Allen, who recently turned 100, is fundraising for the Council on Aging of Ottawa, the Dementia Society, Perley Health, and the Gloucester 50+ Centre. He has already raised over $2,300.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada's largest multi-day race event. This year's event takes place May 23-24.
Karie Ford of Run Ottawa confirmed Allen will be the first 100-year-old participant in the 5K race. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and City Councillor Theresa Kavanagh are serving as honorary coaches for Allen, with the mayor planning to attend the finish line.