How to participate in a marathon at 92 years old
Editor’s note: This article was originally published following Dale DuPlessis’s inspiring marathon achievement. We continue to share his story in honour of his memory.
Blue Nose Marathon is an annual charity running event in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2019, it took place in historic Halifax from June 6 to June 9. As the title sponsor of the Lifemark 5KM during Blue Nose weekend, Lifemark was proud to support people coming together to move, connect and have fun.
As we prepared for the race weekend, we met someone whose story stood out. Dale DuPlessis, a 92-year-old participant in the Lifemark 5KM, embodied Lifemark’s mission statement, “Movement to a Better Life.” We are honoured to share his story.
Meet Dale DuPlessis
A resident of Riverview, New Brunswick, Dale DuPlessis participated in the Lifemark 5KM for the nineth time in 2019. To complete the race, Dale walked all five kilometres alongside members of his family, with everyone wearing custom-made bright green T-shirts.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Dale said. “The entire family goes through the walk with me. Nobody is pressured to go faster or slower. My children, my grandchildren, everyone is very kind and supportive. Sometimes one of my granddaughters will say, ‘Grampy, are you doing okay?’ and I say, ‘Oh yeah, this is really good.’”
Dale was originally signed up for the event by one of his sons as a joke, just a funny Christmas gift intended as a gag. But Dale didn’t think it was such a bad idea.
“One of my granddaughters encouraged me to do it,” Dale explained. “And I said, ‘Morgan, if you go with me, it’s on.’”
“The first year, it was just my granddaughter and I,” he added. “The next year, there were a few more of us, and now this year there’s at least 18 of us, including my three children and six grandchildren. My entire family, children, grandchildren, in-laws, some boyfriends, girlfriends, extended family, friends, they all show up now. It’s kind of a big family gathering!”
Dale’s enthusiasm, dedication and positive energy can also spread beyond his immediate family.
“One year, a friend of one of my sons who lives in Calgary decided that maybe he should fly himself down and participate, too,” Dale said. “He’s been down twice now! It’s a lot of fun to have him tag along.”
Preparing for a race at the age of 92
Dale was a retired veterinarian. One of 13 siblings, he was raised on a farm in New Brunswick, where he learned the value of hard work, healthy eating and walking as part of an active lifestyle.
“Walking has been a part of my life pretty much from the start,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed walking in nature and witnessing wildlife.”
A believer in “early to bed and early to rise,” Dale began each day with a stretching routine for his neck, back and shoulders before heading out for a long walk.
“I do this first thing in the morning because I find that if I don’t do it right away, sometimes the day zooms by and I can’t get my walk in,” Dale added.
It was not uncommon for him to walk an hour or more and still be home by 7 a.m. in time for breakfast.
Dale lived near a wooded area, enjoyed tending to a large vegetable garden and was able to grow much of his own food. He was an award-winning giant pumpkin grower and cultivated sweet corn and raspberries. An extensive traveller, Dale also climbed Mount Katahdin in Maine. On his 90th birthday, he travelled with his family to France, Belgium and the Netherlands, where he put plenty of miles on his hiking boots.
Dale’s time for completing the Lifemark 5KM the year before was 53 minutes.
“That’s the official time,” he added. “I don’t necessarily try to beat my own time. I just want to do as well as I did the year before.”
When asked where he found the energy and motivation to continue participating in the Lifemark 5KM each year, Dale was quick to point to his family as an important source of support.
“I look forward to it every year,” Dale said. “I always feel excited. It’s a wonderful activity as a family and we all enjoy the exercise we get.”
Dale’s active lifestyle, strong family values and generosity will likely influence his family for generations to come. His grandchildren carry on his example and appreciate the value of being active and making home-cooked meals.
Gearing up for Blue Nose weekend
Blue Nose Marathon takes place every year in Halifax, Nova Scotia, bringing together participates of all ages and abilities for a weekend of movement and community. In 2019, Dale took part in the Lifemark 5KM with the support of his family, continuing a tradition that made the event even more meaningful.
For participants preparing for Blue Nose Marathon weekend, support can make a big difference. The Team Myles Ambassador Program powered by Lifemark was created to help people get ready for race day with guidance, encouragement and a sense of community along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Staying active can look different at every age.
- Consistency, family support and enjoyment can all play a role in race participation.
- Walking can be a meaningful way to take part in a 5KM marathon.
- Preparing for a marathon should reflect your goals, routine and comfort level.
FAQs
What is Blue Nose Marathon?
Blue Nose Marathon is an annual running and walking event in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It include a range of race distances and community events for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
Is the Lifemark 5KM part of Blue Nose Marathon weekend?
In 2019, the Lifemark 5KM was one of the events held during Blue Nose Marathon weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For current event details, visit the Blue Nose Marathon website. Lifemark also helps participants prepare for race weekend through Team Myles.
Do you have to run to participate in a 5KM?
Not always. Depending on the event, a 5KM may also be completed by walking. Dale DuPlessis’s story shows that participation can look different for everyone.
What can help someone prepare for a 5KM later in life?
Preparation will look different for each person, but consistency, regular movement, support from family or community and an approach that fits your comfort level can all play a role. For some people, guidance from a physiotherapist may also help support mobility, strength and injury prevention as they prepare for a 5KM.
A special thank you to Lifemark’s Blair Johnston for his help putting together this article.
