Ostriches can run at speeds of about 70 km/h (around 43–45 mph) in short bursts, and they can maintain roughly 50–60 km/h (31–37 mph) for longer distances, making them the fastest animals on two legs.

Top running speeds

  • Typical top speed: about 70 km/h (43–45 mph) in a sprint.
  • Some reports suggest brief peaks approaching 80 km/h (around 50 mph), though 70 km/h is the commonly cited figure.
  • Sustained running: about 50–60 km/h (31–37 mph) over extended periods.

How they manage that speed

  • Long, powerful legs with elastic tendons act like springs, helping them cover about 5 meters (over 16 feet) in a single stride.
  • Their body posture and center of gravity are optimized for efficient forward motion, reducing energy use at high speeds.
  • Large eyes and sharp vision help them spot predators from far away so they can start running early.

Compared with humans and other animals

  • No human can outrun an ostrich; human sprint records are around 27 mph, far below ostrich top speeds.
  • Ostriches are the fastest running birds and the fastest land animals on two legs, second only to animals like cheetahs among major land speedsters.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.

TL;DR: An ostrich can run up to about 70 km/h (43–45 mph), with bursts possibly higher, and can sustain roughly 50–60 km/h over long distances.