Assuming you are asking how long it would take the average person to run 4 miles, the answer would be around 40 minutes. Of course, this answer can be greatly affected by factors such as age, weight, and running experience.
A younger, lighter person who has been running for a while will obviously be able to run 4 miles much faster than an older, heavier person who is just starting to run. Additionally, someone who is training for a marathon will be able to run 4 miles much faster than someone who is just running for recreation.
Ultimately, the amount of time it takes to run 4 miles depends on the individual.
How Long Does It Take To Run 4 Miles According To Age And Sex?
The time it takes to run 4 miles depends on the age and sex of the person. Generally, younger people and men will be able to run 4 miles in a shorter amount of time than older people and women. This is because they tend to have more muscle mass and less body fat, which makes them faster runners.
However, there are many other factors that can affect someone’s running speed, such as their level of fitness, genetics, and even the weather conditions on the day of the race. So, while age and sex may give us some idea of how fast someone can run 4 miles, it’s not an exact science.
Below is a table showing the average speed of running 4 miles depending on age and sex:
| Age | Men (minutes per mile) | Women (minutes per mile) |
|---|---|---|
| 16–19 | 38 | 48 |
| 20–24 | 38 | 46 |
| 25–29 | 40 | 46 |
| 30–34 | 40 | 49 |
| 35–39 | 43 | 48 |
| 40–44 | 41 | 49 |
| 45–49 | 42 | 50 |
| 50–54 | 44 | 53 |
| 55–59 | 48 | 58 |
| 60–64 | 52 | 59 |
| 65–99 | 55 | 64 |
Factors affecting running speed
There are several factors that affect running speed, including:
1. Aerobic Fitness
Aerobic fitness is one of the key determinants of running speed. The more aerobically fit an individual is, the better they will be able to sustain high speeds for longer periods of time.
2. Muscle Strength
Muscle strength is also an important factor in running speed. Stronger muscles can generate more power, which can help to increase speed.
3. Ground Reaction Forces
The ground reaction forces are the forces that are generated between the ground and the runner’s feet. These forces can have a significant impact on running speed.
4. Running Form
Running form is also a key factor in running speed. Proper form can help to increase efficiency and help runners to maintain a higher speed for longer periods of time.
5. Stride Length
The length of an individual’s stride can also affect their running speed. A longer stride can result in a higher speed, but it can also lead to more energy expenditure.
6. Cadence
Cadence, or the number of steps per minute, is also a key factor in running speed. A higher cadence can help runners to maintain a higher speed for a longer period of time.
Precautions
Running four miles may seem like a short distance to run, but it does require some preparation. Here are some precautionary tips you should follow before running four miles.
- Make sure you are properly hydrated before, during, and after your run. Dehydration can quickly lead to fatigue and can impair your performance.
- Warm up before your run. A proper warm-up will help prepare your muscles for the demands of running and can help prevent injuries.
- Pay attention to your form. Proper form can help you run more efficiently and can help prevent injuries.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you are running on a busy road, be sure to stay alert and be aware of traffic.
- Listen to your body. If you are feeling fatigued or experiencing pain, slow down or stop running. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to injuries.
- Make sure you cool down and stretch after your run. Cooling down and stretching can help your muscles recover and can prevent injuries.
Conclusion
The 4 mile run is a great distance to train for. It can help to improve aerobic fitness, strengthen muscles, and burn fat. While the time it takes to run four miles depends on many factors, you should aim to keep your pace to around 9–12 minutes per mile. Always remember to warm up, pay attention to your form, and cool down after your run to avoid injuries.
