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How Fast Should a 12 Year Old Run? UK Sprint Benchmarks

By Ben Royal · Elite Player Performance

One of the most searched questions by parents of young athletes: how fast should my child be running? The answer varies by age, sex and sport. EPP publishes benchmark data from over 300 tested youth athletes across Birmingham and Manchester.

UK Youth Sprint Benchmarks by Age

  • U10 (9–10 yrs): Average 30m: 5.45s · Academy standard: under 5.20s · Excellent: under 4.95s
  • U12 (11–12 yrs): Average 30m: 5.05s · Academy standard: under 4.90s · Excellent: under 4.65s
  • U13 (12–13 yrs): Average 30m: 4.85s · Academy standard: under 4.75s · Excellent: under 4.50s
  • U14 (13–14 yrs): Average 30m: 4.68s · Academy standard: under 4.58s · Excellent: under 4.35s
  • U16 (15–16 yrs): Average 30m: 4.45s · Academy standard: under 4.25s · Excellent: under 4.05s

EPP data from assessments 2024–2026. Female athletes typically run 0.3–0.5s slower at the same age.

What Does It Mean If My Child Is Below Average?

Being below average does not mean an athlete cannot improve. Sprint speed is trainable — particularly acceleration (0–10m) which responds well to coaching on technique, ground contact time and hip extension mechanics. EPP athletes who train specifically based on their test results show an average 3% improvement in 30m sprint times within a 6-week training block.

How to Get Your Child Tested

EPP conducts sprint assessments at Alexander Stadium Birmingham (B42 2LR) using Photon Sports timing gates providing accurate split times at 5m, 10m and 30m. A full written report comparing your athlete against age and sport-specific benchmarks is delivered within 48 hours. Assessments cost £65 and are suitable for athletes from U8 upwards.

Elite Player Performance

Book a Performance Assessment

Alexander Stadium Birmingham and Platt Lane Manchester. Full written report within 48 hours.

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