Convert Walking Speed (walk) to Running Speed (run) instantly.
About these units
Walking Speed (walk)
The average human walking speed is about 1.2–1.4 m/s (4–5 km/h), though this varies with fitness, terrain, age, and purpose. Walking is an energy-efficient mode of locomotion optimized through millions of years of evolution. Humans unconsciously adjust stride frequency, step length, and posture to maintain stability and minimize metabolic cost. Urban planning, pedestrian-safety engineering, and architecture all use walking-speed estimates to design sidewalks, crosswalk timing, and public transportation access. Walking speed is not merely a physical measure—it reflects physiology, psychology, and cultural context.
Running Speed (run)
Human running speeds range widely: Average jogging (2.5–3.3 m/s or 9–12 km/h), Sprint speeds (8–12 m/s or 29–43 km/h). Elite sprinters can exceed 12 m/s, with Usain Bolt's peak reaching approximately 12.4 m/s. Running is biomechanically complex, involving elastic energy return, stride mechanics, ground-reaction forces, and cardiovascular performance. Sports science uses running speed to evaluate training outcomes, optimize gait, prevent injuries, and enhance athletic performance. Running speed provides a window into human physical capability and evolutionary adaptations.