A 64-YEAR-old runner from Oldham went head to head with her 33-year-old daughter in the Amplifon Old Or Not Old Games to prove that age is just a number.

Janet Appleyard was joined by fellow ‘silver sprinters’ at the event in Manchester’s Albert Square, hosted by Olympic medalist Kriss Akabusi.

Janet, a member of the Oldham and Royton Harriers, was interviewed by Kriss - who himself turns 60 later this year – before racing her daughter Lorna Fennel from Royton in a 60-metre sprint, alongside Verna Everett, 68, from Prestwich and Holly Dennison, 26, from New Zealand.

It was a close contest, with Janet just being pipped to the post by her daughter before being presented with a medal by Kriss and sports broadcaster Damian Johnson.

Kieran Venison, 23, a web developer from Oldham, also got involved in the event after stopping by the square on his lunch break. He took on Harvey Wiseglass, 69, Alan Phillips, 65 and Colin Campbell, 33.

Janet has only been running for three years. She was encouraged to take up the sport after seeing her daughter Lorna compete in her first race after starting running to lose weight and get fit.

The former figure skater has now completed several half marathons, plus the Florida Disney marathon last year – despite originally signing up to do the half marathon.

She said: “The Amplifon Old Not Old Games was a brilliant opportunity to show that age is just a number. I’m planning to celebrate my 65th birthday next year by taking part in the Loch Ness marathon – I don’t want to slow down.

“I might be a relative newcomer to the world of running but the sport has changed my life – not just by helping me stay fit and healthy, but also by widening my social circle.”

Hearing specialist Amplifon is challenging public perceptions of ageing and celebrating ‘active agers’ – a new generation of over 60s who enjoy living life to the full.

Kriss, who holds three Olympic medals, as well as World, European and Commonwealth titles, said: “The Amplifon Old Not Old Games prove it’s all about adding life to your years, not just years to your life. All our runners are fantastic examples of a new generation of older people who want to continue living the life they love and stay active into their 60s, 70s and beyond.”