I have always learned that it is best to use the construction:

> 
> Hace tres años que corro.
> 
> 
> 

or

> 
> Corro desde hace tres años.
> 
> 
> 

or **EDIT** (*lentic catachresis*)

> 
> Llevo tres años corriendo.  
> 
>  Vengo corriendo desde hace tres años.
> 
> 
> 

Is there a subtle difference in meaning with this:  

(since it is a direct translation in the preterite perfect progressive) ?

> 
> He estado corriendo desde hace 3 años.
> 
> 
> 

**EDIT:** Changed from *desde* to *desde hace* here.

Does it mean the exact same thing, but just not used as much? It seems to me they both describe a past event that continues in the present. Does *desde hace* work here?

Thanks,  

Jonathan