I consider myself an average runner, not slow, but certainly not up there with the faster runners in a race. One of the key statistics I do measure my progress on is the average pace during any particular run. Hopefully, this improves as I get fitter, but how does that compare to the average overall?
According to research, the average male can run at 8 mph, and the average female can run at 6.5 mph. These numbers have been compiled through years of statistics taken by professionals trying to find a definitive answer to the average human running speed.
For the record, in my last 10k race (finishing time of 51:22) I averaged 7.26mph. I had just finished a pretty good run of regular training so was happy with that result. I guess that makes me almost average (woo-hoo!)
You can see some variations in the answer depending on the sex of the runner and the circumstances. Keep in mind that these are averages that have been compiled over the years, and put together to give the definitive normal person running speed for human beings. If you are curious about the details of these statements, continue reading to find out more.
What Is the Average Running Speed of a Man?
A man’s average running speed is 8 mph, but that is not the only speed you need to know about. To understand the actual average speed of a human, you need to cover various circumstances because life can throw some curve balls at you, especially when it comes to comparing humans. Each person is slightly different from the person standing next to them.
| Male Runners | Average speed |
| Average Speed of a Man | 8mph |
| Long-Distance Male Runner | 5.9mph |
| Male Sprinter | 10mph |
| Male Athlete | 14-17mph |
| Average male being chased by a bear | 12mph |
(I love this last one, nothing like motivation, right?!)
Depending upon the circumstances, level of fitness, and whether your life depends upon it, the average man can run speeds as low as 5.9 mph and as high as 17mph. It may seem like a substantial difference in times, but when you take the average male and let him run, he will average a steady pace at 8 mph.
What Is the Average Running Speed of a Woman?
The average running times of women running under the same circumstances are slightly slower than their male counterparts. This is not a rule written in stone but rather an average number that the specialists came up with.
| Female Runners | Speed |
| Average Speed of a Woman | 6.5mph |
| Long Distance Female Runner | 5mph |
| Female Sprinter | 10mph |
| Female Athletes | 14-17mph |
| Average female being chased by a bear | 14mph |
As women become healthier and more athletic, they can easily match the pace of males of the same fitness levels. This is proof that all people are created equal, and with some work, it can be shown to be the truth.
How Can Either Sex Run Faster?
If you are at the bottom end of these averages or near the top, there are some ways that humans can run even faster than the basic averages. Remember, the numbers above are average times that can be achieved and beaten if you drive to do so. Let’s look at some of the best ways to increase your speed.
- Steady Pace Running – You will want to take a 15 to 60-minute run at a steady pace. This teaches your body how to maintain a constant speed. Keep the same pace throughout the run, no matter how tired or sore you get.
- Weight Training – It is common knowledge that weight training increases your strength, which will help you improve your speed. If you add some exercise to maintain stamina, you will get the best of both worlds from inside one room.
- Interval Training – This is one of the best ways to increase your running speed. This technique means you run slowly for the first few minutes, then speeds up a little and a little more until you are at full speed. You then reverse the process and then repeat it.
- Speed Plays – This exercise regime is close to the one above, except you do not have a mild transition from slow to fast. You sprint, slow down to a light jog, and back up to sprint. Go back and forth for about 20 minutes.
- Hills or Stairs – If you have ever done this, you know how hard it can be. This is an exercise you need to be careful doing because if you fall, it could hurt a lot. This exercise will strengthen your legs and calves and improve your endurance levels.
These exercises can be done by anyone, no matter what fitness level you are at. You can start walking through these steps until you can pick up the pace. Before you know it, you will be at the average speed of humans of the same sex as you are. Soon after that, you will be looking back at laughing at the top rates of the average person.
Average Running Pace
Running is a popular form of exercise that is enjoyed by many people around the world. The average running pace of a human being can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, fitness level, and terrain. In this section, we will explore the factors that can affect average running pace and how to calculate your own average running pace.
Factors Affecting Average Running Pace
Several factors can affect a person’s average running pace. These include:
- Age: As people age, their running pace tends to slow.
- Gender: On average, men tend to run faster than women.
- Fitness level: People who are more fit tend to run faster than those who are less fit.
- Terrain: Running on flat terrain is generally faster than running on hilly terrain.
It is important to remember these factors when trying to determine what a “good” running pace is for you.
For example, a 25-year-old man in good shape and running on a flat surface might have an average running pace of 8 minutes per mile, while a 50-year-old woman who is less fit and running on a hilly terrain might have an average running pace of 12 minutes per mile.
How to Calculate Your Average Running Pace
Calculating your average running pace is relatively simple. All you need to do is measure the distance you ran and the time it took you to run that distance. You can then use the following formula:
Average Pace = Total Time ÷ Distance
For example, if you ran 3 miles in 30 minutes, your average running pace would be:
30 minutes ÷ 3 miles = 10 minutes per mile
It is important to note that this formula will give you your average pace for the entire run. If you want to know your pace for a specific segment of your run, you will need to measure the distance and time for that segment separately.
Understanding your average running pace can help you set goals and track your progress. By taking into account the factors that can affect your pace and using the formula to calculate your pace, you can better understand what a good pace is for you.
Running Performance
Running is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve overall health and fitness. However, many people wonder what the average running pace is for a human being. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, several factors can affect running performance.
Factors Affecting Running Performance
Several factors can affect a person’s running performance, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Body weight and composition
- Training and experience
- Environmental conditions
For example, younger runners may have faster average running paces than older runners. Men may have faster average running paces than women. Runners carrying extra weight may have slower average paces than leaner ones. Experienced runners training for years may have faster average paces than beginners. Finally, environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, and altitude can all impact running performance.
It’s important to remember that these factors are just a few of the many that can affect running performance. Each person is unique, and various factors will influence their average running pace.
For example, a 30-year-old woman who has been running for 10 years and weighs 130 pounds may have a faster average running pace than a 50-year-old man who is just starting to run and weighs 200 pounds.
How to Improve Your Running Performance
While several factors can affect running performance, there are also things that runners can do to improve their average running pace. Some tips for improving running performance include:
- Consistent training: Regular training can help improve endurance, speed, and overall fitness.
- Strength training: Building strength in the legs and core can help improve running form and reduce the risk of injury.
- Cross-training: Activities such as cycling, swimming, or yoga can help improve overall fitness and prevent burnout.
- Proper nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help support energy levels and recovery.
- Rest and recovery: Taking rest days and getting enough sleep are crucial for allowing the body to recover and prevent injury.
For example, a runner who consistently trains, incorporates strength training and cross-training, eats a healthy diet, and prioritizes rest and recovery may be able to improve their average running pace over time.
How Fast Does Usain Bolt Run?
Usain Bolt is widely considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time. He holds the world record in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, with times of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds, respectively.
What Is Usain Bolt’s Top Speed (km/h)?
Usain Bolt’s top speed ever recorded during a sprint race is 44.72 km/h (or 27.8 mph). He achieved this speed during the 100 meters final at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, where he set a world record of 9.58 seconds.
Here is a pace table for that record-breaking event:
| Segment | Time | Pace (sec/100m) | Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-10m | 1.89 | 18.9 | 64.7 |
| 10-20m | 1.00 | 10.0 | 36.0 |
| 20-30m | 0.86 | 8.6 | 41.9 |
| 30-40m | 0.82 | 8.2 | 45.0 |
| 40-50m | 0.83 | 8.3 | 44.2 |
| 50-60m | 0.87 | 8.7 | 41.1 |
| 60-70m | 0.88 | 8.8 | 40.6 |
| 70-80m | 0.87 | 8.7 | 41.1 |
| 80-90m | 0.88 | 8.8 | 40.6 |
| 90-100m | 0.82 | 8.2 | 45.0 |
| Total | 9.58 | 95.8 | 44.7 |
Here is the video:
Usain Bolt’s Running Technique
One of the key factors that sets Usain Bolt apart from other sprinters is his running technique. Bolt is known for his long strides and powerful arm movements, which help him maintain his speed throughout the race.
During a race, Bolt relaxes his head and shoulders, allowing him to conserve energy and maintain his form. He also leans slightly forward, which helps him generate more power with each stride.
Coaches and scientists have studied Bolt’s technique extensively and have identified several key elements that contribute to his success. These include his high knee lift, quick turnover rate, and ability to accelerate rapidly out of the starting blocks.
Final Thoughts
The average running speed of a human may seem slow when you consider how fast a motorized vehicle can go. Take a small moped or motorized bike, they can move down the road at 35 mph or more. It makes you think about how thankful you should all be that walking and running to travel is a thing of the past.
The flip side to that is that if you take the time to run, you will be healthier and happier and possibly live longer. When you concentrate on your physical fitness, you will not have the time to become sedentary, a common problem around the world with the people of the human race.
