Average mile times improve steadily through the teens as aerobic fitness develops, though they vary more than sprints because so much depends on training history. The numbers below are typical for developing school runners, not racing milers, so use them as a rough placement. Here is how the average moves with age and what separates average from good.
The mile rewards consistent aerobic mileage more than talent in most young runners. Average times fall through the teens mostly because training volume and consistency climb, not because kids get dramatically more gifted.
These are typical times, not competitive ones. A good varsity mile is well under the age-18 average here, around 4:45 for boys and 5:25 for girls. The gap is base mileage and threshold work.
Easy aerobic volume, then threshold runs, then race-pace speed. Runners stuck at average almost always need more easy mileage, not harder intervals.
Average shows the ballpark. Film a hard rep, the AI flags the form that breaks down as you fatigue, so the aerobic engine you build translates into a faster mile on the track.
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. Mile and 1600 times are close, with the mile a touch slower.
Typical developing-runner times. Competitive marks are faster.
| Age | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7:30 | 8:00 |
| 12 | 7:00 | 7:30 |
| 14 | 6:15 | 7:00 |
| 16 | 5:40 | 6:40 |
| 18 | 5:20 | 6:25 |
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.
