Ottawa Race Weekend is personally back this year after two events held mostly because of the pandemic. More than 25,000 runners are expected in the capital over the next three days.
Each of its athletes has a story to tell, a reason to run. Among them, small children, great sportsmen, elite athletes and … a 95 year old woman! Réjeanne Fairhead is preparing to participate in the 5 km race on Saturday afternoon.
It was a challenge for me. I haven’t done it yetsimply said the lady who doesn’t even walk regularly. I go out for a walk maybe once or twice a week. But, this is for a good purpose.
The walker is part of a group that participates in various Ottawa Race Weekend events to raise funds. These runners chose to help Perley Health Care Center, a facility close to Ms. Fairhead while he volunteered there.
They help veterans and they have a section for people with dementia. They take good care of their patients. Perley has a good reputationhe insisted.
The mother of six, who also has 12 grandchildren and 7 great -grandchildren, is not hiding her nervousness in the face of this new challenge. He only completed the distance once in his preparation and finished his 5k in about an hour.
” You really don’t have to be nervous, just walk! “
I have a fever. It was a new challenge, something I had never done before. I can scratch it from mine bucket listlaughed the woman, hoping to be a role model for people her age.
I think it’s a great way to show that older people can achieve anything. Age means nothing. You can do whatever you wanthe said, convinced.
Réjeanne Fairhead did not set a time limit to finish her course. At 95, just walking the full distance would be a great success. He will certainly be encouraged by the large crowd that will gather on the route over the weekend.
He in turn will inspire the thousands of runners who registered for the Ottawa half and marathon on Sunday.
Source: Radio-Canada
