Running a marathon is no sweat for the over 50s

With the London Marathon only days away, many people will be glued to their screens this Sunday to watch around 37,000 runners pound the pavements. But despite the typical stereotype of the young athletic runner, research from Alliance & Leicester Current Accounts has revealed that ambitious and challenging long distance runs are no sweat for the generation of health focused over 50s.

Almost half a million people aged 50 years or over have already crossed the finishing line of a marathon, and a further 1.6 million have run a long distance race. In fact, a fifth (20%) say they view turning 50 as a time for new and exciting challenges.

Emma Walkley, Current Account Manager at Alliance & Leicester said: "Today's over 50s don't see age as a barrier to achieving their goals. With people living longer, more and more over 50s are fit and active well into the later stages of life, so it is no surprise that physically challenging activities such as skydiving and mountain climbing are also on the to-do list.

"While running a marathon is a new challenge that many over 50s look to complete, they should also look at their finances, and at switching their current account. This will not be a marathon, but is likely to be a walk in the park which will take a short time to complete, giving a much better rate of interest, and some very important additional benefits to help them make the most of their new lease of life."

Emma Walkley continues: "Our Premier 50 account has been especially tailored for this go-getting age group, offering lifestyle benefits such as worldwide travel insurance up to the age of 79, and important healthcare benefits which help them continue to live life to the full and with that extra peace of mind."

Other activities the over 50s have on their to-do list include:

Flying a helicopter
Performing on stage in front of a large audience
4 x 4 off-roading
Scuba diving
Attending a music festival such as Glastonbury or the ‘V Festival'

The Premier 50 Account offers the following for a monthly fee of £10:

Credit interest rate of 8.50% fixed for 12 months on balances up to £2,500 (introductory rate available until 30 April 2009)
Annual worldwide travel insurance up to the age of 79
Health benefits including access to up to two private out-patient consultations and up to £750 towards out-patient diagnostic testing per year as well as access to a 24/7 Health at Hand helpline, also available up to age 79
Premier 50 Identity Protection and Alert
Premier 50 Card Assist
Linked PlusSaver account paying 5.50% gross p.a./AER, including a bonus of 0.75% on standard rate on first £50,000
0% overdraft for life
Joint account holders enjoy the same benefits per person for one £10 monthly fee

Alliance & Leicester offers a range of market leading current accounts, with competitive rates of interest and value added benefits. To find out more information, visit alliance-leicester.co.uk/currentaccounts.