On Saturday, 100-year-old Roy Allen made Ottawa Race Weekend history, finishing the Tamarack 5K in 1:47:19 with his family walking beside him. The Ottawa-based runner is now the oldest person, and the first centenarian, to complete the event in Canadian history.

Allen used a walker on the course, with family members by his side throughout the race, and spectators (many with signs) cheering him through the streets.

A 5K with a bigger purpose

Allen’s was tackling the event to raise money for four organizations that have supported him and his 94-year-old wife, Melba: the Council on Aging of Ottawa, the Dementia Society, Perley Health Foundation and the Gloucester 50+ Centre.

Before the race, Allen told CTV News that he had raised more than $12,000. “It’s nice to be able to do it and to be raising money for these other people,” Allen said. Melba lives at Perley Health, one of the organizations included in the fundraiser.

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Team 100 hits the course

Eight family members joined Allen during the race, including his daughter, Sara Bercier, and several grandchildren. The family walked with him as “Team 100” and were cheered along the route. Bercier told the Ottawa Citizen that her father credits his longevity to a few simple habits: he never smoked, never drank and smiled often. Allen has also stayed active throughout his entire life, with a background that includes gymnastics, swimming, regular walking and mobility exercises.

His family helped him prepare for race day by taking turns walking with him at the mall. The course’s uphill sections, they said, were a surprise. Allen told CTV News the people around him helped keep him moving. “They are really my encouragement there. I can’t possibly quit,” he said.

A busy opening day in Ottawa

Allen’s 5K came on the first day of the Ottawa Race Weekend,  which included the Kids Marathon, 2K, 5K and 10K, with thousands of runners taking over the city’s streets. Nearly 1,900 children took part in the Kids Marathon earlier in the day.

For Allen, Saturday’s adventure is only the beginning. Post-race, he said he planned to come back and do it again next year.

To learn more or support Allen’s “Team 100” fundraiser, head here.