1 Answer
The Pronghorn Antelope or the Ostrich. Popular Mechanics did a quick rundown of the top 6 marathon runners in the animal kingdom. Here's a summary of the article.
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Horses
Max Speed - 54 mph
Average marathon speed 10.5 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 2.5 Hours
Pros - Effective oxygen carriage
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Humans
Max Speed - 27 mph (Usain Bolt, 100 meters)
Best Marathon Speed - 12.7 mph (Haile Gebrselassie, Berlin)
Best Marathon Time - 2 hours (Haile Gebrselassie, Berlin)
Pros - Heat regulation, motivation and training
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Sled Dogs
Max Speed - 25 mph (as a group pulling a sled)
Average marathon speed - 15 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 1 hour, 19 minutes
Pros - Bred for distance running
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Camels
Max Speed - 40 mph
Average marathon speed - 25 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 1 hour, 2 minutes
Pros - Fat storage, temperature control
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Pronghorn Antelopes
Max Speed - 55 mph
Best/average marathon speed - 30 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 45 minutes
Pros - Long limbs, aerobic capacity, evolution from running from predators
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Ostriches
Max Speed - 50 mph
Average marathon speed - 30 mph
Estimated Marathon time - 45 minutes
Pros - Leg structure which allows it to pop up and maintain forward momentum. Lighter legs
Source - Are Humans the Best Endurance Athletes?
Max Speed - 54 mph
Average marathon speed 10.5 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 2.5 Hours
Pros - Effective oxygen carriage
Max Speed - 27 mph (Usain Bolt, 100 meters)
Best Marathon Speed - 12.7 mph (Haile Gebrselassie, Berlin)
Best Marathon Time - 2 hours (Haile Gebrselassie, Berlin)
Pros - Heat regulation, motivation and training
Max Speed - 25 mph (as a group pulling a sled)
Average marathon speed - 15 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 1 hour, 19 minutes
Pros - Bred for distance running
Camels
Max Speed - 40 mph
Average marathon speed - 25 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 1 hour, 2 minutes
Pros - Fat storage, temperature control
Max Speed - 55 mph
Best/average marathon speed - 30 mph
Estimated Marathon Time - 45 minutes
Pros - Long limbs, aerobic capacity, evolution from running from predators
Ostriches
Max Speed - 50 mph
Average marathon speed - 30 mph
Estimated Marathon time - 45 minutes
Pros - Leg structure which allows it to pop up and maintain forward momentum. Lighter legs
Source - Are Humans the Best Endurance Athletes?
