96-year-old runner breaks the record of 5km . depth by himself

CANADA Canadian grandmother Rejeanne Fairhead broke the 5km record in the over 95 female age group with a time of 51 minutes 9 seconds at the Ottawa Race Weekend 5K 2023.

Last year, on her first run at the Ottawa Race Weekend 5K, Fairhead set a new Canadian record in the 5km for the 95+ age group and second in the 80+ female age group with a time of 58 minutes and 52 seconds . .

Returning to Ottawa Race Weekend 5K 2023 on May 28, Fairhead improved by more than seven minutes to break the 5km record in the over 95 female age group and lead the over 80 female age group.

Mr. Fairhead wore a hat and glasses after finishing with a record of running 5km in the over 95 female age group. Photo: @OttawaRaceWknd

Before that, American grandmother Betty Lindberg held the world record of 5km for women over 95 years old with 55 minutes 48 seconds set at Atlanta Peachtree in February 2022. Lindberg broke the old record - 1 hour 28 minutes 36 seconds - set in 2017 by Betty Ashley, 96 years old, American.

During the post-tournament press conference, Fairhead revealed that the secret to such improved performance is regular practice. "I try to actively participate in many sports, take care of myself and always have fun," said Fairhead, a grandmother of six children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Fairhead was honored by the Ottawa Race Weekend organizers, giving flowers both before and after the race, for her efforts and achievements. Fairhead is also the oldest athlete to compete at the tournament for the second year in a row.

Fairhead attended Ottawa Race Weekend 5K 2023 to raise funds for Perley Health - a community care project for the elderly, and raised $114,000.

Fairhead currently lives in an independent apartment complex The Perley, and this is also the basis for him to practice before participating in the running and setting a record. "I walk a few times a week to get some fresh air, but it's not my daily routine," she said. "I do volunteer work at Perley and walk a lot. I walk around the building, which is about a kilometer. So before the race, I tried five laps and it took about an hour. And I surpassed that achievement."