By Canadian Press

The fastest 96 year old woman in the world: Ottawa woman breaks 5K race record

May 28, 2023 | 11:24 AM

OTTAWA — Rejeanne Fairhead says until two years ago the most athletic things she had ever done over more than nine decades of life involved bowling and horse shoes. 

Now the 96-year-old is a world-record holding racer. 

Fairhead completed the five-kilometre race at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Saturday in just over 51 minutes.

The world record for that distance among women over the age of 95 was demolished by almost five minutes.

Fairhead says she never thought of herself as an athlete before, but believes age is just a number and if you feel like you can do something you shouldn’t let it keep you from trying.

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She says she is glad she is an inspiration to others and takes pride in her efforts, which have also raised more than $7,400 for the Perley Health Foundation in Ottawa. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2023.

The Canadian Press