diff --git a/pyvim/commands/handler.py b/pyvim/commands/handler.py
index cf91dd5..b7d1443 100644
--- a/pyvim/commands/handler.py
+++ b/pyvim/commands/handler.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import asyncio
 from .grammar import COMMAND_GRAMMAR
 from .commands import call_command_handler, has_command_handler, substitute
 
@@ -33,7 +34,8 @@ def handle_command(editor, input_string):
 
     elif shell_command is not None:
         # Handle shell commands.
-        editor.application.run_system_command(shell_command)
+        loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+        loop.create_task(editor.application.run_system_command(shell_command))
 
     elif has_command_handler(command):
         # Handle other 'normal' commands.