YOUNG and old are joining forces to tackle the Oxford Half Marathon Eighteen people, whose ages range from 17 to 72, will line up for the race on Sunday.

The team has been put together by Generation Games, a physical activity network for those over 50 years old orchestrated by Age UK Oxfordshire, the local branch of the national charity for older people.

The aim is to connect older people with the young to tackle isolation and help bridge the gap between the different generations.

While most of them will be running, the team also includes Norman Smith, a 72-year-old from Bicester who plans to walk the Oxford Half in less than three and a half hours.

A self-confessed “walkaholic”, he tries to walk more miles than he drives every year.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price, who has run 25 marathons and 30 half-marathons, is also part of the team. He said: “The purpose is to stress inter-generational solidarity so people of all ages learn to understand each other and make the most of what they can offer at every age.

“When I was invited to take part in this I thought I would be happy to do so, particularly given there’s a new route for the race this year.

“I thought it would be a nice way to share my support for the Age UK project.

“We’re getting older on average and very often, those who get older are isolated in their communities.

“It’s important to watch out for those who might not have enough in the way of social contacts.”

Mr Price, 67, used to run for the Oxford City Athletics Club and currently runs between 10 and 20 miles a week.

He has extended his long runs as part of his training to make sure he is ready to tackle 13 miles in one go.

Paul Cann, Age UK Oxfordshire’s chief executive, who is in his 60s, will also be running as part of the Generation Games team.

“He said: “We span seven generations and it’s all about enjoying growing older and the fact that physical activity is important and fun at any age. Age UK Oxfordshire is a charity that believes in loving later life.

“It’s really important that we take up activity and physical exercise. It helps us live longer and more happily.

“We believe in living life to the full.

“Whatever age you are, it’s never too late to take exercise.”