Up to 19mph , according to a video on reddit. Research from July 2024 tells us that hippos can run at a similar pace to elephants. That’s about 7 meters per second or 24kph).
Here’s some takeaways from the study:
- Hippos primarily use a trotting gait for both walking and running.
- When running fast (low Duty Factor – a technical term), they can briefly become airborne, something not previously reported.
- They seem to achieve speed mainly by reducing the time their feet are on the ground, not by swinging their legs faster.
- The study suggests hippos might be more athletic than previously thought.
How fast can a hippo run on water?
Their running speed will naturally be slower when they’re in the water as it will slow them down. The latest research doesn’t give us the exact speed, but it will be slower than 24kph with a light trot.
Hippos weigh about 4,850 pounds, so they’ll definitely be slower in water!
How fast can a hippo run on land?
Hippos can run about 24kph on land, like the research tells us.
How fast can hippos run compared to other animals?
| Animal | Average Weight (kg) | Average Running Speed (km/h) | Source |
| African Elephant | 6,000 | 40 | Colorado research |
| Hippopotamus | 4,000 | 30-45 | Research |
| Rhinoceros | 4,000 | 40 | Soari research |
| Bison | 1,000 | 50 | US GOV |
| Grizzly Bear | 800 | 50 | Yellow Research |
What about other animals?
How fast can a black bear run?
