Irish runners are the fastest in the world, new study says

They averaged at a pace of 9:09 per mile.

According to fitness watch manufacturer Garmin, runners in Ireland were the fastest globally, averaging a pace of 9:09 per mile.

The average run lasted 46.3 minutes, rising to 50.8 minutes among those aged 60–69.

Runners aged 50–59 went furthest, averaging 5.11 miles (8.22 km), while those aged 20–29 averaged the shortest distance at 4.6 miles (7.4 km).

The pioneering sports watch company has unveiled its latest global running and cycling trends reports, revealing a growing focus on fitness and health worldwide.

Based on anonymised data from users of Garmin Connect, the studies analyse metrics such as distance, pace, resting heart rate, VO2 max and functional threshold power offering insights into exercise habits in 2026.

Indoor running rose 12.6% year-on-year, while 23% more runners combined a run with a strength workout in the same week.

Additionally, Garmin's cycling data showed the average ride covered 28.6 miles and lasted almost 115 minutes.

Cyclists aged 60–69 recorded the most elevation gain, averaging 1,201 feet per ride, while riders in the UAE were the fastest at 17.75 mph.

Most runners logged between six and 10 miles per week, accounting for almost 40% of participants, while only 3% exceeded 31 miles.