Do runners live longer? The science behind mileage and mortality
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 03, 2025 · 15 min read
In long-term studies, running as little as 5–10 minutes a day at an easy pace is linked to roughly a 3-year longer lifespan and about a 27% lower risk of all-cause mortality versus not running. The sweet spot for longevity appears to be moderate weekly volume (around 2–3 hours), not marathon-level mileage—here’s how it works ...