A fast mile is one of the simplest tests of fitness. It’s long enough to challenge your aerobic engine, short enough to demand genuine speed, and brief enough to slot onto the end of a workout. But how do the rich and famous stack up when it comes to four laps of the track?
Some of these times are verified standalone miles, while others come from reported race splits or publicly shared performances, so consider this more of a celebrity running leaderboard than an official record book.
From Harry Styles’ sub-3-hour marathon credentials to Tom Cruise‘s famous running ability, here are some of the fastest celebrity mile times we’ve found.
Harry Styles
5:13
Harry Styles‘ trainer, Thibo David, has said the singer can run a 5:13 mile – a time quick enough to impress even experienced runners. Styles has also completed a marathon in 2:59:13, proving his fitness extends well beyond performing on stage.
Michael Jordan
5:22
Michael Jordan’s reported 5:22 mile has become one of the most widely repeated celebrity fitness statistics. The time reportedly dates back to Chicago Bulls training camp in 1986 and was cited by Sports Illustrated, fitting the reputation of one of sport’s greatest athletes.
Mark Zuckerberg
5:53
During his 2016 ‘Year of Running’ challenge, Runner’s World reported that Zuckerberg clocked a 5:53 mile. That’s a seriously quick time for any recreational runner.
Kevin Hart
6:27
Kevin Hart has long been a fan of running, taking on everything from 5Ks to the New York City Marathon. His 6:27 was reportedly his fastest recorded mile split during a 5K rather than a standalone mile PB, but it’s still an impressive number.
Tom Cruise
6:46
Tom Cruise is famous for his on-screen sprinting. His reported 6:46 mile comes from online claims rather than an official race result or verified PB, so treat it with a degree of caution. Still, for a man better known for Mission: Impossible chase scenes than track sessions, it’s a respectable benchmark.
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Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.
