Meet Roy Allen: The 100-Year-Old Taking on the 5K at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
Walking alongside his children and grandchildren, Roy Allen will complete the 5K at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend as both a personal milestone and a fundraiser for local seniors’ organizations.
While doing a 5K at 100 years old may impress others, Allen says staying active has simply always been part of who he is. “I have been active all my life,” he says.Â
His fitness journey began about 92 years ago with gymnastics at the YMCA as a child, training on rings, high bars, and vaults well into his twenties. Swimming later became a lifelong favourite, an activity he enjoys to this day. He has also long prioritized walking, taking public transit, and doing gentle daily exercises like leg lifts and knee bends. He credits this approach and “simple things that keep my joints moving” to his health.
The Importance of Social Connection
Beyond physical fitness, Allen highlights the importance of staying socially active as you age. It’s easy to become isolated, and it’s crucial to keep meeting new people.Â
After his wife moved into long-term care shortly before his 98th birthday, Allen’s children encouraged him to get involved socially outside of visiting her. He joined the Gloucester 50+ Seniors Centre and quickly found a new network of friends.
“All of my peers are gone; my siblings, my 25 first cousins, and my friends. I miss them,” Allen says. “But I need to keep making new friends. They are a wonderful addition to my life, and I feel very blessed.”
That’s why Allen’s 5K is also a fundraiser supporting four organizations serving seniors in Ottawa, including the Gloucester 50+ Centre, Perley Health, The Dementia Society, and the Council on Aging of Ottawa.
Known for its advocacy and educational programming, the Council helps older adults navigate the realities of aging while promoting healthier, more connected communities.
One initiative that had a particular impact on Allen was the organization’s Smart Aging Program, a workshop series designed to help older adults support each other and think through major life transitions to proactively prepare for aging.
The program provided practical guidance, but more importantly, it created new friendships.
The people Allen met through his Smart Aging group in 2019 remained in his life long after the sessions ended, with many attending his 100th birthday celebration.
“There are so many seniors centres in the city,” he says. “I would really encourage people to get to know others in your community. Be open to making new friends.”
Ready for Race DayÂ
As race day approaches, Allen has been building his endurance by walking at Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre, gradually increasing from 2K and 3K distances as he works toward the full race distance.
“I am feeling very confident that I can do it,” Allen says. “I’m just not sure how fast I can do it. So far, we are thinking it will take me about 90 minutes. I am excited for the day itself. It will be fun, and I am looking forward to doing it with my family all there and seeing all of the people.”
Joining him on race day will be his daughter, son-in-law, and six grandchildren, ranging in age from 17 to 30.Â
In the lead-up to the race, Allen has also been touched by the encouragement he has received from the broader community. Supporters have donated to his fundraiser, stopped to cheer him on, and even asked to take photos with him.
“I don’t think of myself as special,” he says. “But it is a lot of fun to be meeting and talking to lots of new people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”