Cross Training For Runners

How Long Does It Take To Walk Five Miles?

5 Mins read

Ready to lace up those sneakers and step into a world of fitness and fresh air?

Walking, yes, the good old-fashioned stroll, is your ticket to a healthier you. It’s simple, free, and easy on your joints.

But if you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to walk a five-mile distance on foot, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re not just talking about numbers; we’re diving into the calorie-burning, time-saving, and health-boosting world of walking 5 miles daily.

So, if you’re ready to put your best foot forward, let’s hit the pavement together!

The Average Walking Pace

Let’s talk about walking pace and what it takes to conquer that 5-mile journey.

It’s a fantastic goal to aim for, and here’s why: you’ll be racking up a cool 10,000 steps or more in a single day. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned walker, the key is to take it slow and steady.

Now, how long does it take to stroll those 5 miles? Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. You see, each of us has our own unique walking pace, and it can change for a bunch of reasons.

Let’s break it down:

  • Distance: The longer you walk, the more time it takes, right?
  • Leg Length: If you’ve got long legs, you might cover more ground with each step.
  • Height: Your height can influence your stride length and speed.
  • Footwear Quality: Comfy, well-fitting shoes can make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
  • Air Quality: Breathing easily in fresh air is different from battling smog.
  • Temperatures: Hot weather might slow you down, while cooler temps can put a spring in your step.
  • Age: Youthful vigor or wise experience—your age plays a role.
  • Weight: Carrying extra weight can affect your pace.
  • Weather: Rain, wind, or sunshine—mother nature has her say.
  • Fitness Level: Seasoned walkers often have a quicker pace than beginners.
  • Gender: Studies have shown that men tend to walk faster than women.
  • Energy Levels: Feeling like a dynamo or a sloth? That can change your pace, too.
  • Terrain: Flat pavement or hilly trails make a difference.
  • Elevation Gain or Loss: Climbing uphill takes more time and effort.
  • Hydration Level: Stay hydrated, but too much water can slow you down.

So, while we can’t give you an exact time, the average person might take around one hour and 40 minutes to cover 5 miles.

If you pick up the pace to a brisk 4 miles per hour, you could finish in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. But hey, remember to account for those shoe-tying stops, red lights, and water breaks along the way!

But, all in all, it takes the average person roughly one hour and 40 minutes to walk 5 miles.

But hold onto your hat because your walking pace is the real MVP here.

If you’re cruising at a steady 3 miles per hour, you can bet it’s gonna be one hour and 40 minutes of walking goodness. But, if you kick it up a notch to a brisk 4 miles per hour, you might shave off 25 minutes and conquer that 5-mile journey in about one hour and 15 minutes.

But wait, there’s more to the story. Those little curveballs life throws at you can slow you down, too. Think shoe-tying pitstops, waiting for the dreaded red light to turn green, and, of course, those essential water breaks to keep you hydrated.

For the number crunchers out there, here’s a handy table to break it all down:

Walking Speed in Miles per Hour Walking Pace in minutes per mile 5-Mile Walking Time
2.8 21:26 1:47:10
3 20:00 1:40:00
3.1 19:21 1:36:42
3.2 18:45 1:33:45
3.3 18:10 1:30:51
3.4 17:38 1:28:15
3.5 17:08 1:25:42
3.6 16:40 1:23:22
3.7 16:12 1:21:06
3.8 15:47 1:18:54
3.9 15:23 1:16:45
4 15:00 1:15:00
4.1 14:38 1:13:12
4.2 14:17 1:11:24
4.3 13:57 1:09:45
4.4 13:38 1:08:12
4.5 13:20 1:16:39
4.6 13:02 1:05:15
4.7 12:45 1:03:45
4.8 12:30 1:02:30
4.9 12:14 1:01:10
5 12:00 1:00:00

How long does it Take To Walk 5 Miles on Track?

If you’re looking to walk a solid 5 miles on a standard running track, here’s the scoop: you’ll need to complete a little over 20 full laps.

You see, most standard tracks are about 400 meters (or a quarter of a mile) per lap. So when you do the math, 5 miles amounts to a cool 20 laps and then some.

It’s like setting up your own mini adventure on that oval path, and by the time you cross the finish line, you’ll have chalked up those 5 miles like a champ!

How Long Does It Take To Walk Five Miles on A treadmill?

Walking on a treadmill is a fantastic way to stay active, especially when the weather’s not cooperating, or you prefer the safety of indoors.

Now, here’s the exciting part: on a treadmill, you can often walk faster compared to outdoor walking. Why? No pesky terrain changes, no battling against the wind, and definitely no stopping for traffic lights.

But the million-dollar question remains: how long does it take to walk those impressive five miles on a treadmill? Well, that’s where things get a bit personalized. It hinges on factors like your weight, age, and your chosen walking speed.

Additional Resource – What’s the best temperature for running?

How long Does It take to Walk 5 Miles in An Urban Area?

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of walking in the city. City blocks, those building-studded stretches of pavement, can vary in length from one city to another. But on average, one mile equates to about 20 city blocks.

So, for your impressive 5-mile trek, you’re looking at conquering roughly 100 city blocks.

But hold on, there’s a twist! City walking often involves dodging traffic, waiting at crosswalks, and navigating through bustling crowds. It’s like a real-life game of Frogger out there!

So, while you might have those 100 blocks to cover, remember to account for the occasional pitstop and the urban obstacles that slow you down.

How Many Steps in 5 Miles?

Research has uncovered a golden nugget of information: on average, there are about 2,000 steps in a mile. That’s a pretty neat statistic to have in your back pocket.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Health experts, drawing wisdom from their research, suggest that aiming for a daily total of 10,000 steps is like hitting the jackpot for your well-being.

So, what does this mean for your 5-mile adventure? Well, my friend, by completing those 5 miles each day, you’re not just taking a leisurely stroll – you’re actively investing in your health. It’s like a powerful shield against chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Are you curious about how many miles is 10000 steps? Check my full guide here.

Keep Track

To ensure you know how far you’re walking out there, I recommend using a fitness tracker or a running app to keep track of your distance.

It’s easier that way.

You can also use Google Maps to plan out your walking routes. This way, you won’t end up walking more or less than you intend to.

Additional resource – Strava for runners

How Many Calories do You Burn Walking Five Miles?

Again, it’s not easy to answer this question as it mainly depends on the individual and how fast they walk.

But overall, on average, most people burn around 100 calories walking one mile. That sums it up to around 500 calories for a five-mile walkie.

Walking five miles daily for five days a week will burn around 2000 to 3000 calories. If you keep the same daily calorie intake as before, you’re likely to lose around half to one pound per week.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t written in stone. Pace, terrain, and body weight—to name a few—all impact how many calories you burn during a five-mile walk.

Be Prepared

You must be well-prepared when planning to walk for 5 miles or longer. Make sure you have the following before you step out of the door:

  • Comfortable walking footwear
  • Comfortable exercise clothing based on the weather and walking conditions
  • Water
  • Light snack
  • A phone (to track distance and make a call just in case of emergencies)

And that’s all.

Additional Resource – Virtual Races Guide

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