What is Considered a Good Mile Time? Plus Insider Tips to Crush Your Personal Best

Running stands out as an exceptional sport and form of physical activity. Its minimal barriers to entry make it immensely popular around the world.

Running is among the most demanding sports; I realized this the hard way.

I added running into my training regime after 12 years of consistent weight training. I did do the odd couple of weekly runs for my cardio on my conventional strength training program but it usually involved alternating between sprinting for 60 seconds and walking for the other 60.

I realized the intricacies involved in running when I ran my first 5K. I completed the distance in 39:23, which was way below the average of 31:59 for men of my age.

Although my performance was underwhelming, it got me hooked on running, and I started exploring what is considered a good mile time.

A good mile time typically ranges from nine to 10 minutes for non-competitive runners, while elite athletes often clock in at four to five minutes. This varies based on fitness levels and training intensity.

The average mile time depends on multiple factors, including step length, age, gender, height, weight, fitness level, gait, and genetics.

In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about what is considered a good mile time, average mile times, current world records, and tips on improving your running performance.

What is Considered a Good Mile Time?

Understanding respectable mile times provides a framework for setting realistic and motivational goals.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of a ‘good mile time,’ remember that this differs significantly from the average mile time.

A good mile time is based on the time of the fastest runners, whereas an average mile time dictates how much time it typically takes people of all genders, ages, and experience levels to complete a mile.

So, we must discover the average and fastest mile times to arrive at a ‘good mile time.’

Average Mile Time For Men and Women

According to Running Level, a site dedicated to tracking and analyzing the running performance of male and female athletes, here are the average 1-minute mile run time by age and ability:

Average Mile Time For Men

Here is the average mile time for males between the ages of 10 and 70:

Age	Beginner	Novice	Intermediate	Advanced	Elite
10	11:16	09:20	07:55	06:54	06:09
15	09:45	08:05	06:51	05:58	05:19
20	09:25	07:48	06:38	05:46	05:08
25	09:25	07:48	06:38	05:46	05:08
30	09:26	07:49	06:38	05:46	05:09
35	09:35	07:56	06:44	05:52	05:14
40	09:55	08:13	06:58	06:04	05:25
45	10:17	08:31	07:14	06:18	05:37
50	10:42	08:51	07:31	06:33	05:50
55	11:08	09:13	07:49	06:49	06:04
60	11:36	09:37	08:09	07:06	06:20
65	12:07	10:02	08:31	07:25	06:37
70	12:43	10:32	08:57	07:47	06:57

Average Mile Time For Women

Here is the average mile time for women in the 10 to 70 age bracket:

Age	Beginner	Novice	Intermediate	Advanced	Elite
10	12:29	10:32	09:03	07:57	07:08
15	11:12	09:27	08:08	07:08	06:24
20	10:40	09:00	07:44	06:48	06:06
25	10:40	09:00	07:44	06:48	06:06
30	10:40	09:00	07:44	06:48	06:06
35	10:44	09:04	07:47	06:50	06:08
40	10:58	09:15	07:57	06:59	06:16
45	11:21	09:35	08:14	07:14	06:29
50	11:56	10:04	08:40	07:36	06:49
55	12:37	10:39	09:10	08:02	07:13
60	13:24	11:18	09:43	08:32	07:39
65	14:16	12:02	10:21	09:05	08:09
70	15:15	12:52	11:04	09:43	08:43

1 Mile World Record

Moroccan middle-distance runner Hicham El Guerrouj holds the current world record for one mile — 3:43.13, which he set on July 7, 1999.

On the women’s side, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya set the women’s world record on July 21, 2023, completing the mile in 4:07.64.

Guerrouj and Masterkova’s record exemplifies the peak of speed and endurance and is the goal-to-beat for thousands of runners.

A Good Average Mile Time

Considering the average and world record mile times for male and female athletes, a good 1-mile time for men is 6:37. On the other hand, a good 1-mile time for women is 7:44. 

If you are a beginner, your goal should be to focus on hitting the average mile times instead of gunning for the ‘good’ numbers.

Whether you are a seasoned runner looking to shave seconds off your best time or a newcomer aiming to complete your first uninterrupted mile, the journey toward improving your mile time is personal. You must aim for a mile time that fits your training and fitness objective.

Next Read: Average Human Sprint Speed (Guide to Understanding and Enhancing Your Running Pace)

Historical Context of a Mile

The mile run, a staple in athletics, has a storied history that dates back centuries. It originated in England and was used as a distance for gambling races. However, it is now among one of the most celebrated events in track and field athletics.

In the 1950s, athletes were obsessed with breaking the 4-minute barrier on the mile run. This quest was popularly known as the “miracle mile.”

English neurologist and middle-distance athlete Roger Bannister became the first athlete to run the first sub-4-minute mile in 1954, with a final time of 3:59.4. This achievement paved the way for other athletes to strive to break this record.

Understanding Mile Times

“What is considered a good mile time” is more complex to answer than it appears. A good mile time will vary for each individual. For some, breaking a six-minute mile might be a remarkable achievement, whereas a sub-five-minute mile could be the target for others. A sub-four minute mile should be left up for the pro athletes.

Several factors come into play in determining what constitutes a ‘good’ mile for an individual, including:

Age

Most people achieve their peak running speed in their late 20s to early 30s due to increased muscle mass, strength, conditioning, and faster recovery. An individual’s mile time might decline as they cross the 35-year mark. However, this might vary depending on their genetics and activity levels.

Sex

On average, men tend to have faster mile times due to physiological differences. However, the mile time gap between pro male and female athletes has been narrowing over the years, thanks to the advancement in training and nutrition.

The fastest male mile time is 3:43.13, while it is 4:07.64 for the ladies. While the male 1-mile world record was set in 1999, the new female world record was achieved in 2023.

Fitness Level

Your fitness level is one of the most crucial factors that dictate your mile time. It is also one of the few factors that you can control. A well-conditioned athlete is more likely to set new 1-mile PRs in the sub-five-minute range than a hobbyist exerciser.

Training

Your fitness level is a byproduct of your training, diet, and nutrition. You must practice consistently using the right techniques to improve your mile time.

Your running workouts should comprise a balance of HIIT and endurance workouts to ensure you tick all the right boxes. Beginners should work with a running coach to ensure they cover all their training bases. Hiring a personal trainer might cost some money upfront but will pay dividends in the long term.

Check Out: Average Human Running Speed: How Fast Should You Be Running?

Training Tips for a Better Mile Time

Here is how you can train for a better mile time:

1. Importance of Training and Consistency

After you’re over your beginner’s curve, you cannot improve your mile time beyond a certain point without consistent training. Here is what you need to know about both:

Consistency is Key

You must find a training program that you can stick to for the long term. Starting an ambitious training program but dropping off midway is a big waste of time, effort, money, and energy. Find a workout regimen that fits your lifestyle to ensure you can see it through.

A study by Jones and Bampouras (2007) in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research emphasized the significance of regular training in enhancing aerobic capacity, a critical factor for a good mile time. (1)

Progressive Overload

Progressive overload is the name of the game while trying to improve your physical performance. It involves increasing your training intensity, volume, or frequency to add extra demand to your muscles, promoting muscle and strength growth.

Contrary to what most people think, using weight training can help boost your running performance. A 2018 study by Bazyler et al. published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that six weeks of resistance training (three workouts per week) led to significant increases in maximal strength and fat-free mass. (2)

2. Types of Training Beneficial for Improving Mile Time

Here are the three types of training that can help improve your mile time:

Interval Training:

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be particularly effective for improving your mile time. It involves placing significant stress on your muscles in a relatively short period, similar to what is needed in a fast and intense mile run.

A landmark study by Gibala et al. (2006), published in the Journal of Physiology, found that short, intense interval sessions significantly improved aerobic and anaerobic capacity, which is crucial for running a quick mile to establish a new personal best. (3)

Must Read: What Does PR Mean in Gym?

Endurance Training:

You must balance quick, fast-paced, longer runs to improve your performance in a middle-distance run like the 1-mile. Long, steady-state runs are fundamental for building endurance.

A Sports Med study found that endurance training enhances peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), increases capillary density in working muscles, and raises blood volume, contributing to improved performance in endurance sports. (4)

Strength Training:

Strength training, especially a workout program that biases leg strength can contribute to a faster mile time. A 2014 review published in Sports Med supports the inclusion of strength training in an endurance athlete’s program for enhanced performance. This indirectly suggests that such training can also improve mile time, as it enhances overall endurance capabilities. (5)

3. Role of Diet and Rest in Improving Performance

Overlooking your diet and recovery can significantly hamper your mile time. Here are the things you must consider:

Diet:

You must eat a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to obtain the necessary energy and ensure your body has all the fuel to repair itself and grow bigger and stronger.

A research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism concluded that pre-marathon carbohydrate intake was associated with faster marathon times, suggesting that novice and recreational marathoners should consider consuming a moderate to high amount of carbohydrates in the 24-36 hours before a marathon to boost performance. (6)

Hydration:

Optimal hydration is vital for runners. Grueling running workouts can lead to excessive sweating, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. Consume coconut water, energy drinks, sports nutrition supplements, or electrolyte solutions to ensure you function optimally.

A Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research randomized, controlled trial revealed that the runners who were hydrated (HYR) completed a 12 km run faster than those who were dehydrated (DHR). (7)

Rest and Recovery:

Improper rest can hamper your recovery and performance. Remember, it doesn’t matter how hard you train; you cannot out-train a bad recovery program. Sleep for seven to eight hours each night to give your body enough time between sets to rest and recuperate.

Psychological Aspects of Running a Good Mile Time

Mental strategies like visualization and positive self-talk can significantly enhance running performance. Visualization involves mentally rehearsing a run, picturing each stride and breath, which prepares the mind for the actual performance.

Be as detailed in your visualizations as possible. Think about the clothes you’ll be wearing, the music you will be listening to and the amount of time it will take you to complete the run. Once you have all of this visualized, all you need to do is get on the field and execute. 

On the other hand, positive self-talk involves reinforcing one’s capabilities and overcoming self-doubt, which is often a barrier to achieving better times. A strong mental side is key to setting a faster mile time goal and crushing it.

Technology and Equipment

In my experience as a personal trainer and a training shoe aficionado, advanced running gear, particularly shoes designed for optimal support and efficiency, can significantly improve performance and your mile time.

Furthermore, the use of technology, like specialized running apps and fitness trackers, is invaluable for training. The data these apps provide can help monitor your progress and improve your mile time.

Conclusion

Understanding good mile times is more than just about the numbers. It’s about personal growth, overcoming physical limits, and the sheer joy of running. Setting and working toward a challenging mile time will test your grit and determination.

However, avoid comparing yourself to others while training for a new mile time personal best. Biting off more than you can chew can increase injury risk and derail your fitness journey. If you have any questions about what is considered a good mile time, drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help.

References

1. Cressey EM, West CA, Tiberio DP, Kraemer WJ, Maresh CM. The effects of ten weeks of lower-body unstable surface training on markers of athletic performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May;21(2):561-7. doi: 10.1519/R-19845.1. PMID: 17530966.
2. Colquhoun RJ, Gai CM, Aguilar D, Bove D, Dolan J, Vargas A, Couvillion K, Jenkins NDM, Campbell BI. Training Volume, Not Frequency, Indicative of Maximal Strength Adaptations to Resistance Training. J Strength Cond Res. 2018 May;32(5):1207-1213. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002414. PMID: 29324578.
3. Escamilla RF, Babb E, DeWitt R, Jew P, Kelleher P, Burnham T, Busch J, D’Anna K, Mowbray R, Imamura RT. Electromyographic analysis of traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises: implications for rehabilitation and training. Phys Ther. 2006 May;86(5):656-71. PMID: 16649890.
4. Kubukeli ZN, Noakes TD, Dennis SC. Training techniques to improve endurance exercise performances. Sports Med. 2002;32(8):489-509. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200232080-00002. PMID: 12076176.
5. Beattie K, Kenny IC, Lyons M, Carson BP. The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes. Sports Med. 2014 Jun;44(6):845-65. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0157-y. PMID: 24532151.
6. Wilson PB, Ingraham SJ, Lundstrom C, Rhodes G. Dietary tendencies as predictors of marathon time in novice marathoners. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Apr;23(2):170-7. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.23.2.170. Epub 2012 Oct 11. PMID: 23070826.
7. Stearns RL, Casa DJ, Lopez RM, McDermott BP, Ganio MS, Decher NR, Scruggs IC, West AE, Armstrong LE, Maresh CM. Influence of hydration status on pacing during trail running in the heat. J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Dec;23(9):2533-41. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b73c3f. PMID: 19675477.

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