How marathon runners roll back years

Tuesday January 7th, 2020

People who take up marathon running reverse their vascular age by about four years, according to a major UK study published last night.

Researchers at Barts Heart Centre found that new runners achieved reductions in blood pressure and in aortic stiffening – with the oldest participants enjoying the greatest benefits.

Other experts said the findings highlighted the benefits of all forms of exercise, not just running the marathon.

The research is published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The study involved some 138 first-time runners in the 2016 and 2017 London Marathon with an average age of 37. Runners were tested six months before the event – before beginning formal training – and three weeks afterwards.

The male runners achieved 4.5 hour marathons while the female runners achieved 5.4 hours. This suggests training schedules of between six and 13 miles a week.

On average systolic blood pressure fell by 4 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 3 mmHg.

Researcher Dr Charlotte Manisty said: “Our study shows it is possible to reverse the consequences of aging on our blood vessels with real-world exercise in just six months.

"These benefits were observed in overall healthy individuals across a broad age range and their marathon times are suggestive of achievable exercise training in novice participants.”

The research was backed by the British Heart Foundation, which said marathon training was not necessary to achieve the same benefits.

Associate medical director Professor Metin Aykiran said: "Keeping active reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke and cuts your chances of an early death. As the old mantra goes, if exercise were a pill it would be hailed as a wonder drug.

“Setting yourself a goal – such as training for a marathon – is a great way to stay motivated and follow through on your New Year health resolutions. But you don’t need to train for a marathon to reap the benefits. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. More is usually better, but every bit counts."

Real-World Training for a First-Time Marathon Reverses Age-Related Aortic Stiffening: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. JACC 6 January 2020

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.10.045

Tags: Fitness | Heart Health | UK News

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