How Long Does It Take to Run 15 Miles? (Explained in Detail)
15 miles is the distance you can find in the training plan for experienced runners.
In this article, you will find out how long it takes to run 15 miles and you will find answers to the most common questions on this topic.
The average time to run 15 miles is around 2 hours 30 minutes, which means that the average running pace is 10:00 minutes per mile. Numerous factors, such as age, sex, fitness level, experience, weather, and terrain will all affect the result.
Depending on the running pace, the table shows how long it takes to run 15 miles.
Minutes per mile | Minutes per kilometer | 15 miles |
---|---|---|
8:00 | 4:58 | 2:00:00 |
8:30 | 5:17 | 2:07:30 |
9:00 | 5:36 | 2:15:00 |
9:30 | 5:54 | 2:22:30 |
10:00 | 6:13 | 2:30:00 |
10:30 | 6:31 | 2:37:30 |
11:00 | 6:50 | 2:45:00 |
You can use my running pace calculator to calculate the time it takes to run 15 miles running at a certain pace. You can also calculate how fast you will run if you run 15 miles in a certain amount of time.
What is the average 15-mile run time for beginners?
For beginners, the average 15-mile time is about 2 hours 45 minutes, which means that the average running pace is 11:00 minutes per mile.
Beginners might not be able to run the whole 15 miles continuously without stopping. In that case, they should combine running and walking segments.
For example, your training session can consist of 6 alternations between 5 minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking.
You must listen to your body and be patient. In time, your fitness level will only get better and better.
Tip
If you are a beginner, walk breaks are a useful training method that will help you build your fitness. Over time, you will build enough endurance and you will no longer need walk breaks.
Read more: Is It Bad To Take Walk Breaks During A Run?
What is the average 15-mile run time for advanced runners?
For advanced runners, the average 15-mile time is about 1 hour 35 minutes, which means that the average running pace is 6:20 minutes per mile.
Advanced runners usually run 15 miles as a long run workout.
What is a good time for a 15-mile run?
Most runners think that a good 15-mile time is everything under 2 hours (7:48 m).
Good 15-mile time depends on numerous factors, such as age, sex, fitness level, experience, time, and terrain on which you run.
It is difficult to give a precise answer because it varies from person to person.
For someone, a good 15-mile time will be 1 hour 50 minutes, while another runner will be unhappy with that result. A good 15-mile time is a result you will be happy with.
Tip
Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is different. Follow your results and push your boundaries. Enjoy running and progress gradually to train without injury, because that’s most important.
Is running 15 miles a day too much?
Running 15 miles a day is too much for beginners or for those prone to injury.
Also, if you want to improve your running skills then it is not recommended even for experienced runners.
It is necessary to have complete rest at least one day a week to reduce the risk of injury and the occurrence of overtraining.
Likewise, if you want to progress, you have to put your body under different kinds of strain by doing different workouts.
Read more: Different Types of Runs + 12 Workout Examples
Is running 15 miles a week enough?
Running 15 miles a week is enough for beginners and intermediate runners. If you run 3 to 5 times a week the training will be approximately 5 to 3 miles long.
Can I run 15 miles without training?
If you are active and in good shape, it is possible to run 15 miles without training. If you have not done any sports so far, and you spend most of your time sitting, then it is not recommended.
I always advise a smart and consistent approach to training regardless of someone’s current level of fitness.
How many calories does running 15 miles burn?
Running 15 miles will burn you an average of about 1500 calories.
The exact number of calories spent while running 15 miles depends on the runner’s weight and fitness level, their pace, the terrain they run on, and the weather conditions.
The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn because you have to carry more weight and work harder to run the same distance at the same pace.
Example
According to the calories burned running calculator, a runner who weighs 180 lbs will spend approximately 2100 calories by running 15 miles at a pace of 10:00 minutes per mile, while a 130 lbs runner will spend approximately 1512 calories.
Read more: How Heavy Is Too Heavy to Run? (17 Tips for Heavy Runners)
How to run 15 miles without stopping?
To run 15 miles continuously, without stopping, follow these tips:
- Initially, combine running and walking segments
- Gradually shorten your walking segments and run longer
- Train at least 3 times a week
- Take at least 1 day off between workouts
- Don’t think about pace, listen to your body
- Run at a conversational pace at which you can say a full sentence while running without exhausting yourself
How many steps is 15 miles?
It takes approximately 27000 steps to walk 15 miles, and approximately 21000 steps to run 15 miles.
To calculate an accurate figure, you need to consider a number of different factors, such as gender, height, weight, stride length, and pace of walking or running.
For example, a shorter person will have to take many more steps to cover the same distance, unlike a taller person.
You can use a calculator to determine exactly how many steps you have taken in 15 miles of walking or running.
The study calculated the average number of steps that need to be taken per mile while walking or running.
The table shows an overview of the steps required to cross 15 miles at a given speed.
Miles | Average walk (3mph) 20:00 min/mi 12:26 min/km | Brisk walk (4mph) 5:00 min/mi 9:19 min/km | Run (6mph) 10:00 min/mi 6:13 min/km | Fat run (7.5mph) 8:00 min/mi 4:58 min/km |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2252 steps per mile | 1935 steps per mile | 1672 steps per mile | 1400 steps per mile |
15 | 33780 steps per mile | 29025 steps per mile | 25080 steps per mile | 21000 steps per mile |
How to train for 15 miles?
If you want to run 15 miles, you should combine different types of training. You should train 3 to 4 times a week and make sure to recover adequately.
One workout a week should be a very easy run with strides at the end.
This way you will add speed to your workout, and you will be more prepared for the next more intense workout.
Then the second and third workouts of the week should be fartlek training, intervals, or tempo runs.
If you train 3 times a week then one day a week you should do one of these 3 types of training.
Tip
Fartlek training is great for both beginners and advanced runners because of its adaptability. One of the main benefits of fartlek training is that you run on feeling, without thinking about pace. This way you will break the monotony in your workout and add speed without too much stress.
The fourth workout of the week should be a long run.
The long run will improve your endurance and resistance to fatigue.
Take at least one day off between workouts.
It is also important to do strength training at least 2 times a week.
Aside from preventing injuries, strength training will also help you build muscles that are required for you to maintain proper running form, making you a more efficient runner.
Matea Matošević
Hi, I’m Matea! I’m an Olympic Marathon Runner, founder, and writer behind OLYRUN.com. On this site, I provide help in the form of my knowledge and experience to all who love running and active living. Read more…