Running – no matter how fast, far or often – is linked to a significantly lower risk of earlier death, according to new research.
Researchers from Australia, Thailand and Finland believe “substantial” health benefits could be seen at population level if more people laced up their trainers, even just for a short jog.
They analysed results from 14 studies of 233,149 people, whose health was tracked for between 5.5 and 35 years.
During this time, 25,951 participants died.
When the study data was pooled, any amount of running was associated with a 27% lower risk of death from all causes over the period of study for both sexes, compared to non-runners.
And it was linked to a 30% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, as well as a 23% lower risk of death from cancer.
The researchers concluded: “Increased rates of participation in running, regardless of its dose would probably lead to substantial improvements in population health and longevity.”
Even running once a week or less frequently, for less than 50 minutes each time, and at a pace lower than six miles (eight km) an hour was linked to significant health benefits.
Upping the running “dose” was not associated with a further lowering of the risk of death from any cause, the analysis showed.
The experts said that, while vigorous exertion has been linked to sudden cardiac death, the mortality benefit of running outweighs the risk.
The paper is published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
