The Speed of a Lion
Lions are one of the fastest land animals, capable of running at speeds over 50 mph. Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap distances of over 30 feet. So how fast can a human run in comparison?
The fastest human on record is Usain Bolt, who ran 100m in 9.58 seconds in 2009. That equates to an average speed of 23.35 mph. Bolt’s top speed during that run was 27.79 mph. So while incredibly fast for a human, Bolt’s top speed is still about half that of a peak running lion.
Clearly in a straight up race over a short distance, a human would not be able to outrun a lion. But over longer distances, the comparison gets more interesting. Let’s dig deeper into the numbers.
How Far Can Humans Run?
Humans are known for their endurance running capabilities. Thanks to adaptations like sweat glands and our ability to run on two legs, we can run remarkable distances at a steady pace. The current world record for a marathon (26.2 miles) is held by Eliud Kipchoge with a time of 2:01:39, averaging 13.1 mph.
The longest Olympic event is the 10,000m which covers 6.2 miles. The world record for 10,000m is held by Kenenisa Bekele with a time of 26:17:53, averaging 14.4 mph.
Top human runners can maintain paces of 13-15 mph for many miles before fatigue sets in.
Lion Endurance Limits
While lions can reach 50 mph in short bursts, they can only hold top speeds for a few seconds. Their endurance limits are much lower than elite human runners.
Lions have only been recorded running 8 consecutive miles at most. And their average speed declines significantly over longer distances. After the first rapid burst, a lion’s sustained traveling speed is closer to 10 mph.
Additionally, lions can only sprint in short bursts before needing rest. They generate short term speed by using fast twitch muscle fibers. Humans can activate slow twitch endurance fibers that lions lack.
The Verdict: It Depends on Distances
In a short sprint, a lion would easily outpace even the fastest human runner. But over longer distances, an elite human has the endurance advantage.
Here are some examples:
| Distance | Lion Speed | Human Speed | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 50 mph | 28 mph | Lion |
| 200m | 50 mph | 28 mph | Lion |
| 400m | 40 mph | 25 mph | Lion |
| 800m | 30 mph | 20 mph | Lion |
| 1 mile | 25 mph | 17 mph | Lion |
| 5 miles | 15 mph | 14 mph | Toss Up |
| 10 miles | 10 mph | 13 mph | Human |
| Marathon (26.2 miles) | 8 mph | 13 mph | Human |
As the table illustrates, over short distances of 400m or less, the lion’s speed dominates decisively. But as the length increases, the human’s endurance begins to win out.
In a marathon scenario, a fit human runner could outpace a lion thanks to the animal’s lower endurance limits. The lion might make up some initial ground with its explosive short term speed but tire quickly. The human would be able to maintain a faster pace over the full 26.2 mile distance.
When Would You Ever Need to Outrun a Lion?
While this comparison of human vs lion running ability is interesting, when would you ever actually need to outrun a lion? Here are a few possible real-world scenarios:
Big Game Hunting Accident
If you were unlucky enough to be big game hunting and accidentally got between a lion and its cubs, your running skills could make the difference between life and death. This highly dangerous scenario would call for a sustained sprint to safety. Your Jeep or other vehicle would hopefully be near enough to provide refuge.
Safari Mishap
During an African safari, you may stop your vehicle to observe lions up close. But if you somehow found yourself stranded outside the vehicle while a lion charged, running could be your only chance. Putting some distance between you and the lion could allow you to climb a tree or find other shelter.
Circus Performer
In the days of the big circus acts, performers might entertain audiences by racing lions around an arena track or stadium. While irresponsible to do given safety concerns, this spectacle did occur decades ago. The human would need superior stamina to have any chance of beating the lion.
Zoo Escape
In the unlikely event a lion escaped from its zoo enclosure into a public area, visitors may need to run to avoid becoming prey. A fast escape could get you inside to shelter or aid in evacuation.
Illegal Lion Pet
Raising a lion as a private pet is extremely dangerous and typically illegal. But some circus or magician acts have tried this in the past. If an illegally kept lion got loose, running could provide the precious seconds needed to lock yourself in a car or room for protection.
Tips for Outrunning a Lion
While the prospect of sprinting for your life from an angry lion is frightening, here are some tips to maximize your chances if caught in that alarming scenario:
– Don’t run in a straight line – use objects and abrupt changes in direction to disrupt the lion’s chase
– Move sideways or at angles – lions have difficulty changing direction abruptly while running full speed
– Get a head start – put as much distance as possible between you and the lion before it gives chase
– Run towards water – lions hate crossing rivers or streams, using water may block their pursuit
– Find high ground – climb up rocks, hills, or a tree to get out of reach
– Bring deterrents – pepper spray, axes, spears or other objects to scare or injure the lion
– Don’t run too early – wait for the lion to be as close as possible before sprinting at full speed
– Belt a lion – punch the lion right in the nose, while screaming and making yourself appear big
– Play dead – if all else fails, lay flat and motionless, lions lose interest in dead prey
While you likely have minimal chance of ever needing to run from a lion attack, the evolutionary capacity for human endurance gives us a fighting chance in such an extreme scenario. Stay alert and fit just in case!
Conclusion
To summarize, lions have a decisive advantage in short sprints due to their explosive acceleration and 50 mph top speeds. But they lack the endurance for extended running. Elite human runners can outpace lions over longer distances thanks to physiological advantages that allow us to run many miles without fatigue.
So if you ever found yourself in the incredible scenario of being chased by a lion, your best bet would be to remain calm, run smart, and make use of your endurance to reach safety. Sprinting tactics could make the difference between life and death.
While the situation is unlikely outside of a wildlife preserve mishap or escaped zoo animal, understanding the lion’s speed limitations may just save your life. And nothing gets the legs pumping faster than a 400 pound predator loping after you!