Running
Running is a method of terrestrial locomotion in which humans move rapidly on foot, with both feet leaving the ground during each stride.
How big is it?
2.778 m/s · speed
Also 6.214 mph
Speed · example
A little perspective
Running vs Polynesian outrigger canoe: speed comparison
The sailing speed of a Polynesian outrigger canoe is about 1.44 times a running pace.
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
Running is a method of terrestrial locomotion in which humans move rapidly on foot, with both feet leaving the ground during each stride.
2.778 m in 1 s
A Polynesian outrigger canoe is a traditional sailing vessel with a main hull and a lateral float for stability, used for navigation across the Pacific.
4 m in 1 s
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Running
Speed: 2.778 m/s; example.
A chosen steady 10 km/h run.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Polynesian outrigger canoe
Defined sailing speed: 4 m/s; defined specimen; range 2.5 m/s–6 m/s.
A defined single-outrigger Polynesian sailing canoe with an 8.7 m main hull, 180 kg rigged mass and 4 m/s sailing pace. Traditional forms vary by island, purpose and construction; hull length excludes steering paddles.
Smithsonian Ocean — Polynesian voyaging
The marked defined sailing speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2.778 m/s
We compare a running pace. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A chosen steady 10 km/h run.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.778 m/s | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMotion and speedWalking1.389 m/sSpeedWalking is a form of human locomotion where one foot is always in contact with the ground.
Around the same scaleGravity and forceTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm2.094 m/sTangential speed at 10 m radiusA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.
Nearest higher valueMotion and speedContainer-terminal ship-to-shore trolley3 m/sRepresentative loaded trolley speedA container-terminal ship-to-shore trolley is a motorised platform that moves shipping containers horizontally along a crane between a ship and the dock.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MotionWalking1.389 m/sWalking is a form of human locomotion where one foot is always in contact with the ground.
MotionSound in air1,235 km/hSound in air is the propagation of pressure waves through the atmosphere, which can be heard by humans and animals.
MotionInternational Space Station28,160 km/hThe International Space Station is a large habitable satellite that orbits Earth and serves as a research laboratory.MotionLight in vacuum100% of c (1c)Light in vacuum is electromagnetic radiation that travels through empty space without any material medium.MotionSprinting36 km/hSprinting is running at full speed over a short distance, requiring maximum effort and power.
TransportPolynesian outrigger canoe8.7 mA Polynesian outrigger canoe is a traditional sailing vessel with a main hull and a lateral float for stability, used for navigation across the Pacific.
TransportCanal narrowboat17.7 mA canal narrowboat is a long, slender vessel designed for navigating the narrow canals of the United Kingdom.PeopleOne-hour walk5 kmA one-hour walk is the distance a person travels by walking continuously at a steady pace for one hour.