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
Also 6.214 mph
Speed · example
A little perspective
Polynesian outrigger canoe is about 1.44 times larger on this measurement.
Polynesian outrigger canoe: 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.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Running
A chosen steady 10 km/h run.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Polynesian outrigger canoe
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2.778 m/s
For comparison, this page uses speed. This is labelled example: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value.
A chosen steady 10 km/h run.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Running dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.778 m/s | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible speed records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · MotionWalking1.389 m/sWalking is a form of human locomotion where one foot is always in contact with the ground.
Around the same scale · GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm2.094 m/sA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.
Nearest higher value · MotionContainer-terminal ship-to-shore trolley3 m/sA 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
Want to check the number?
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 vacuum1 cLight 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.