Is an ostrich faster than a cheetah?

Over short distances, cheetahs are significantly faster than ostriches, which have a top speed of slightly more than 40 miles per hour. While ostriches are better distance runners, cheetahs have been clocked at 59 miles per hour.

While cheetahs are the undisputed champions of sprinting, they tire quickly. Although they show remarkable speed for short periods, they typically run about 30 miles per hour. Even at this speed, they must stop to cool down to avoid overheating. Ostriches, on the other hand, can keep up a 30 mile-per-hour pace for 10 miles or longer, making them the superior distance runners.