Running proven to help you live longer

Any amount of running has significant health benefits and is linked to lower risk of an earlier death, according to a study published by the British Medical Journal.
Researchers found that a 27% lower risk of death from all causes at population level when people went for a run, even a short jog.

The team of researchers examined data from 14 previous studies with a total of over 230,00 participants who were followed for 5.5 to 35 years. Over 25,000 individuals died during the follow-ups.Comparing to non-runners, those who did were 30% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease, 23% less likely to die of cancer and 27% less to die for any reason at all.

Even running no more than once a week for less than 50 minutes at a speed below 6 mph was linked to significant health benefits.The researchers also found that upping the running ‘dose’, by running longer than the guidelines, did not see any ‘extra’ benefit.

Researchers concluded with ‘increased rates of participation in running, regardless of its dose, would probably lead to substantial improvements in population health and longevity."

Studies referenced:
Pedisic Z, Shrestha N, Kovalchik S, et al. Is running associated with a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and is the more the better? A systematic review and meta-analysisBritish Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 04 November 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100493