What is the average running speed?
The average running speed differs quite a lot per person. Of course, the distance that has been covered also has a large influence on the average running speed. Other factors that play a role are weather conditions and course type. Due to all of these factors, it is impossible to determine 1 average. However, by looking at the finish times of marathons and 10 km (6.21 miles) competitions, we are able to calculate some sort of average running speed for men and women concerning these distances. When looking at the average marathon finish times, we can state that the average running speeds regarding a distance of 28 miles and 365 yards (41,195 km) are the following:
Overall: 5.59 mph (9 km/h)
Men: 5.84 mph (9.4 km/h)
Women: 5.24 mph (8.44 km/h)
When examining the data of 10 races (6.21 miles) in America, we can determine that the average running speeds regarding 10 km (6.21) are the following:
Overall: 6.22 mph (10.01 km/h)
Men: 6.72 mph (10.81 km/h)
Women: 5.79 mph (9.32 km/h)
These are all averages. There is a higher probability that your finish time will be below these averages when you are new to running, and your finish time will probably be above these averages when you are a better trained runner.
What is the fastest that anyone has ever run?
The fastest time that is ever run is 27.78 mph (44.7 km/h). This record is set by Usain Bolt in 2009 at the 100 metres race during the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. This was his average speed between 60 and 80 meters.
What is the best way to prepare for a race?
Here are some pointers for showing up well prepared at the start of a race.
- Know the course
- Wear clothing that is suitable based on the weather forecast, but never wear clothing that is too warm.
- Eat a meal that is rich in carbohydrates the evening before the race (pasta, brown rice, dark bread)
- Have a proper breakfast, but don’t eat too much. Eat a banana or something similar 1 to 2 hours before running and don’t eat anything else after this
- Make sure you drink plenty, but don’t drink more than a few sips when it’s half an hour or less before the start of the race
- Visit the toilet before the race
- Try to stay out of the wind as much as possible
- Perform warming up exercises (and cooling down afterwards)
See besides average running speed also:
Average Marathon Time
Average Half Marathon Time
Average Walking Speed
Average Bike Speed