Running could halve risk of heart attack or stroke

US researchers have found that running for less than 50 minutes a week – about seven minutes per day – can lower the risk of death from all causes by 30 per cent and from cardiovascular disease or stroke by almost half.

A marathon effort isn’t required to out-run death; just plodding along for less than ten kilometres over a week can add years to your life.

Consistency is also important. Those who ran regularly over a six-year period had the greatest benefits, living on average three years longer.

Making a habit of hitting the track could also balance out other mortality factors, including smoking and obesity.

Even people who find jogging a bit rough on their joints say those who don’t like exercise are fast running out of excuses.