Average 800m times come down steadily through the teens as aerobic base and race strength develop. The numbers below are typical for developing school runners, not the times that win at the state level, so treat them as a rough placement. Here is how the average moves with age and what separates average from good.
The 800 sits between sprint and distance, and average times improve most once a runner has built an aerobic base to support the race-pace speed. That is why the numbers fall through the mid and late teens as mileage and structure increase.
These are typical times, not competitive ones. A good varsity 800 is well under the age-18 average here, around 2:00 for boys and 2:20 for girls. The gap is aerobic fitness plus a closing gear.
Aerobic volume, threshold work, and race-pace reps, in that order. Most runners stuck at average are missing the base, not the speed.
Average shows the ballpark; form costs the rest. Film a hard rep, the AI flags posture and stride breakdown as you tire, so the fitness you build actually shows up at the line.
Follow up in chat and ask questions. The AI remembers your analysis and speaks the language of sprints coaching.
Typical boys' times by age, girls' times in the table below. These are average developing marks.
Typical developing-runner times. Competitive marks are faster.
| Age | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3:05 | 3:20 |
| 12 | 2:50 | 3:05 |
| 14 | 2:35 | 2:55 |
| 16 | 2:20 | 2:45 |
| 18 | 2:12 | 2:40 |
Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.
A directory of every sprints page on the site, from broad analysis tools to specific phase deep-dives. Each entry points to a focused write-up.
Download the app. Film a rep. See what the AI sees. Free first analysis, no card, no account required.
