The perfect test of your running ability is not a marathon or a 5k – it's a simple mile, at your best speed. The mile is a historic distance: 1,609 metres of pure running indulgence. The U.S. Army has devised standards for runners based on age that may offer a helpful target for running the mile.
Challenge yourself!
- A runner who is 27 to 31 years old and can run a mile in 6mins39secs or better is in the top 1% for the age group. Runners who can finish a 1-mile run in 8:56 are in the top 50% for the age group.
- For 37 to 41 year-olds, a runner who can complete the mile in 7:03 or less is in the top 1% for the age group. Runners who can finish in 9:57 are in the top 50% for the age group.
- Above 42 years old (42 - 46), a runner who can complete the mile run in 7:03 or less is in the top 1% for the age group. Runners who can finish a 1-mile run in 9:57 are in the top 50% for the age group.
According to the IAAF the fastest mile ever run on foot was 3 minutes 34.13 seconds. Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj achieved this on July 7, 1999 at Rome's Olympic Stadium. The women's outdoor mile record is held by Russia's Svetlana Masterkova (4.12.56 - 14 AUG 1996).
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