How Many Miles Per Hour Can a Man Run?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 30, 2020

The average human running speed is 12 to 15 miles per hour for short-distance sprinting and 5 to 8 mph for long-distance running. Running times vary based on training and overall fitness levels.

The fastest human speed on record belongs to Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt, who ran at 27.44 mph during the 100 meter sprint at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin, Germany. Bolt also holds the world record for second fastest 100 meter sprint, completing it in 9.63 seconds at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. His 2008 sprint is the current Olympic record for fastest running.