How long does it take to
run a mile?
If you’re going to start running, you might be wondering “how long does it take to run a mile?”. Here you will find everything you want to know about running a mile.
How far is a mile?
A mile is a unit of distance that is equal to 1.61 kilometers or 5,280 feet.
To run a mile on a standard 400-meter running track, you will need to complete slightly more than 4 full laps.
A city block, which varies in length depending on the city and streets, is roughly 1/20th of a mile. To run a mile along city streets, you would have to run approximately 20 blocks.
How long does it take the average person to run a mile?
The average person can run a mile in about 9 to 10 minutes. According to data from the CDC, about half of the adult U.S. population can run a mile in under 10 minutes.
Strava‘s data indicates that the typical pace for a recorded run among its users is 9:53 per mile. With a substantial user base of millions, this average pace is derived from both men and women throughout the year 2021, providing a reliable approximation of a standard training pace.
Average mile run time by age and gender
However, the time it takes the average person to run a mile can vary depending on factors such as their fitness level, running experience, and overall health. Age and gender also play a role in determining your mile time.
According to Strava:
- Male average pace per mile: 9:38
- Female average pace per mile: 11:08
To help you better understand the difference in mile time based on age groups, we have included a table of a study that Running Level conducted.
How long does it take to run a mile at different paces?
If you’re looking to run a mile at a specific pace, it’s important to know that there are different paces that you can aim for.
- A slow pace might be around 12-13 minutes per mile.
- A moderate pace might be around 9-10 minutes per mile.
- A fast pace could be around 6-8 minutes per mile, and elite runners can run a mile in as little as 4-5 minutes.
What is the fastest mile time?
The current world record for the fastest mile time is held by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, who ran a mile in 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds in 1999.
Is running 1 mile in 5 minutes hard?
Yes, it’s hard to run 1 mile in 5 minutes. It is a very fast pace and would be considered a challenging goal for most runners.
It requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and running mechanics. It would also require consistent training and dedication.
Is running 1 mile in 4 minutes fast?
Running a mile in 4 minutes is an extremely fast pace and is not a common achievement among runners.
The average running pace for men in a 5k race (3.1 miles) is around 8:30 per mile, and for women it is around 10:30 per mile. To run a mile in 5 minutes, a pace of 3:43 per kilometer or 9.38 per mile would be required. This is significantly faster than the pace of the majority of recreational runners
Other mile run time
Factors that affect how long it takes to run a mile
It is clear that when you are running a mile, there are many factors involved that can affect your average time.
- Age
- Gender
- Biomechanics
- Mental attitude
- Fitness levels
- Weather
- Altitude
- Terrain
Tips on running a faster mile
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, these tips will help you improve your running.
- Warm-up
- Start slowly
- Focus on proper form
- Be consistent with your training
- Practice mental techniques: Deep breathing, and positive self-talk to help improve your focus and motivation
How many calories will a mile run burn?
The average number of calories burned during a one-mile run is around 100 calories, according to Dr. Daniel V. Vigil, an associate clinical professor of health sciences at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. However, this estimate can vary depending on the individual, with body weight being a significant factor.
The American Council on Exercise has reported that a 120-pound person burns approximately 11.4 calories per minute, meaning that if they run a 10-minute mile, they would burn 114 calories. While a person weighing 180 pounds would burn 17 calories per minute, resulting in a total of 170 calories burned for that same 10-minute mile.
How long does it take to walk a mile?
On average, it takes a person about 15-20 minutes to walk one mile at a moderate pace. A brisk walking pace would take around 12-15 minutes per mile.