How fast can the fastest human run?

Humans could perhaps run as fast 40 mph, a new study suggests. Such a feat would leave in the dust the world's fastest runner, Usain Bolt, who has clocked nearly 28 mph in the 100-meter sprint. The new findings come after researchers took a new look at the factors that limit human speed. read more

Based on that information, Weyand and his team calculated that in theory, human beings can run as fast as 19. 3 meters per second — that is, if they hit the ground with the maximum force physiologically possible. If a sprinter were to run at that speed throughout the 100-meter race, he would finish in 5. 18 seconds. read more

Faster humans can sprint at 15. 9 miles per hour, or 100 meters in 13 to 14 seconds. The Olympic qualifying time for London 2012 was 100 meters in 10. 18 seconds in the men's race and 11. 29 seconds for the women's race. read more

Faster humans can sprint at 15.9 miles per hour, or 100 meters in 13 to 14 seconds. The Olympic qualifying time for London 2012 was 100 meters in 10.18 seconds in the men's race and 11.29 seconds for the women's race. read more

Based on that information, Weyand and his team calculated that in theory, human beings can run as fast as 19.3 meters per second — that is, if they hit the ground with the maximum force physiologically possible. If a sprinter were to run at that speed throughout the 100-meter race, he would finish in 5.18 seconds. read more