The average speed of a human running can vary greatly, depending on several factors including fitness level, age, sex, and the distance being run. Here are some general estimates:
- Recreational Runners: For average healthy adults who are recreational runners, the average running speed is often between 5 and 10 miles per hour (8-16 km/h) [1].
- Professional Runners: Professional long-distance runners can average up to 12-15 miles per hour (20-24 km/h) during a race. Marathon runners typically average between 4.5-10 miles per hour (7-16 km/h) [2].
- Sprinters: World-class sprinters can exceed 20-27 miles per hour (32-44 km/h), although this is highly dependent on the distance of the sprint, with shorter sprints generally being faster [3].
For average people, aiming for a speed of 4-5 mph during a sustained run is a good target. As fitness levels improve, speed can gradually increase.
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