How Fast Can A Human Run

How Fast Can A Human Run

by

Justin
January 22, 2022
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Have you ever wondered how fast a person can run?

The running speed of people has long been a subject of fascination, with some people achieving remarkable speed and improving upon this performance through various training techniques.

While Olympians can run at speeds greater than 20 mph, what about an average person who doesn’t have a world champion’s training capabilities or genetic makeup?

Scientists believe humans can run at speeds of up to 40 mph. That’s as fast as traffic on most highways. Several factors influence how fast you can run, with your running speed changing daily.

Factors such as age, gender, fitness level, and nutrition play a role in your running speed.

The army study Guide website lists the standards for how quickly a man and woman and several age groups should run a mile.

Read on to learn more about the top speed of humans and how it compares to an average person. This article explores how fast a human can run and factors that impact running speed.

Untrained People

How Fast Can A Human Run

The average running speed of an untrained person can surprise you.

Using the RunRepeat study of over 34 million race results, the average running time for an untrained person is 35 minutes for a 5K and 4 hours and 26 minutes for a full marathon.

However, this is subjective because there is no hard statistic for the fastest untrained person. Most people run for fun, to help a friend, or as a training run.

We can look at different statistics to determine how fast an average human can run. You can calculate the speed of an average man and woman using the average running speed per mile in a 5K. 

Male

Men run faster on average than females in the same age group. The running speed of the fastest man is 23 .35 mph. An average man between 20 and 40 years old can run 5.9 mph.

Female

The fastest woman can run 21.32 mph, while an average woman between 20 and 40 can run 5 mph.

Everyone has a different genetic makeup and athletic ability or potential that determines their running speed. If you are an untrained athlete, you can progress when you train.

Because of the force muscle fibers take on, 40 mph is the cap speed on how fast a human can run.

Trained People

How Fast Can A Human Run

Sprint speed is a muscle strength function, and male sprinters have an advantage. For example, the qualifying times for Boston and New York marathons reflect the difference between males and females.

Trained runners need less oxygen to produce the same wattage as untrained people.

In the workout schedules, people who include endurance, interval, resistance, and plyometric training have better running speed. If you can change your training system, you can run faster.

Male

A trained man can reach 11 seconds per 100 meters depending on their age and prior training.

The fastest human in the world is Usain Bolt, who can run at nearly 28 mph. He holds the record for the hundred-meter sprint clocked at 9.58 seconds.

Female

The fastest woman in history has a record of running 22 mph.

Therefore, you can change your training system and improve your running speed. When running a sprint, you need to perfect the time taken to accelerate in the first 30 meters as it determines your final result.

One way to improve your acceleration time is by improving the power output.

It also depends on your diet, training, and coaching with dedication. Working out can affect sprinting, depending on how you train.

If you spend more time in endurance sports, it will take you a while to increase your running speed. It will take you at least a year to become proficient and up to five years to get quick,

World Records

How Fast Can A Human Run

The world record times for the fastest mile between men and women reflect the differences in their running speed.

You can certainly train for a speedy finish but won’t snag World Records if your DNA is not set up for success. The 100-meter dash is the Furious demonstration of human athletic ability.

Male

The world record result for the fastest mile a man can run is 3 minutes and 43 seconds.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt set the current men’s world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009. He is the best human sprint of all time with a world record time

Female

For women, the fastest mile for an outdoor event is 4 minutes and 12 seconds. The current world record for women is 10.49 seconds, set by American Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988. She has held the record for the fastest woman for more than 30 years.

You can only reach a world-record level will hours of practice and training. For example, as little as 250 hours of deliberate practice can make you significantly better from where you are.

Most world record holders started training at a young age when the nervous system is more pliable. The limits are greater when you get old in terms of development.

Power movements and strength training are important for anyone aspiring to run faster. If you are a sprinter, focus on maximizing glute strength.

The fastest runners have a forefoot strike and strong knee drive. You need a certain amount of muscle fibers that provide quick, powerful movements to run at top speeds.

Conclusion

There’s a big difference between trained and untrained runners when measuring the current speed. The fastest person can run about 27 and a half miles per hour.

This was the top speed for men set by Usain Bolt during the 100-meter sprint in 2009. This accomplishment is far from normal.

Olympians can run at speeds greater than 20 mph. The numbers regarding the maximum running speed of humans are mainly speculation. In most cases, excellence in sprinting is a matter of genetics.

The good news is that anyone can improve their sprint time with the specificity of training. Working under qualified coaches and trainers can help improve your sprint times.

Resources:

Justin

Justin Rodriguez has spent most of his adult life inspiring people to take their fitness more seriously. He is not new to the business of providing practical solutions for those looking to set and smash their fitness goals. From sharing professional tips and tricks to recommending awesome products, Justin Rodriguez helps just about anyone who wants to get the best out of their workout routines.Having gathered a lot of experience both in and outside the gym, Justin Rodriguez uses DSW Fitness as a medium to show you exactly how to get that great-looking body with toned muscles you’ve always wanted.