A new study has suggested that training for and completing marathons helps improve the health of a new runner's arteries.
Researchers from Barts and University College London discovered that training for and running marathons improves new runners' arteries, reducing their "vascular age" by around four years.
The study, which involved testing 138 novice runners attempting the London Marathon, found that with more than six months of training, the runners' arteries some youthful elasticity, which should reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers also saw that the runners' blood pressure fell as much as if they had been prescribed pills. The results indicated that those who were the least fit prior to training for the marathon appeared to benefit the most.
According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which funded the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, smaller amounts of aerobic exercise are likely to have a similar effect.
Study data showed that it took them between four and a half and five and a half hours, on average, to run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon.
Lead researcher Dr. Charlotte Manisty said: "People with known heart disease or other medical conditions should speak to their doctor first. But for most people, the benefits of taking up exercise far outweigh any risk."
Training should start months before a marathon, with each session beginning with a warm-up and gradually increasing the distance run. Having rest days between runs allows joints and muscles to recover and strengthen.
Professor Metin Avkiran of BHF said: "The benefits of exercise are undeniable. Keeping active reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke and cuts your chances of an early death."
Prof. Avkiran added: "As the old mantra goes, 'If exercise were a pill, it would be hailed as a wonder drug.'"
