How long should it take to run one mile?

There is no conclusive consensus as to how long it should take an average person to run one mile, because there is no such thing as an average runner, according to the Houston Chronicle's Live Healthy section. However, anecdotal evidence places the average at about 7 to 10 minutes.

The length of time it should take for an individual to run one mile depends on several factors, such as age, gender, fitness level and specific goals. As stated by the Houston Chronicle, the most important factor in determining speed over a long distance is the runner's fitness level. Someone who is well trained may run a mile in under 5 minutes, whereas someone new to running may need longer than 12 minutes.