Running has tremendous health benefits. Squeezing in a morning run can lead to less stress, increased productivity, and a better mood. While the American Heart Association suggests 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, a new study published in the Journal of the American College Cardiology found those who ran for just five to 10 minutes per day at a slow pace greatly reduced their chances of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Led by Iowa State University professor Duck-chul Lee, Ph.D., the 15-year study focused on 55,137 adults between the ages of 18 and 100. Of the population, only 24 percent reported running as their leisure-time exercise. During the experiment, 3,413 participants died with 1,217 deaths attributed to cardiovascular-related illnesses.

Researchers found runners lived three years longer than non-runners. They also saw runners had a lower risk of death from all causes by 30 percent and from heart disease or stroke by 45 percent.

The most fascinating finding was the improved mortality rate across runners regardless of intensity level and length of activity. Participants who ran less than 51 minutes, fewer than six miles, or slower than six miles per hour reduced their chances of cardiovascular-related death. Even those who ran just one to two times per week enhanced their health.

The runners who saw the most benefits were those who ran persistently, lowering their risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 29 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Dr. Lee’s study supports previous research done in March by Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania. Researchers found runners who ran more than 20 miles per week did not live longer than those who ran fewer miles. In fact, runners who engaged in more intense physical activity equaled the lifespan of non-runners.

This study is great news for people who have difficulty setting time aside for a run. Not having time is one of the most common excuses when it comes to running. Given this new study, you can run for just five minutes everyday and still retain the health benefits.