A good time for the 800m is anything under 2:00.00 for men & 2:10.00 for women.
Over the past decade, the 800 m has fast become one of the most watched events within track and field. This is mainly due to its unpredictability in Championships, resulting in the favourite to win not always doing so.
As the interest has been growing over the years, so has the popularity of running the event. Now we see more kids and adults wanting to take up the 800m. If you’re one of these people, you’ll be interested to know how you stack up against others your age.
Average 800m Time By Age
Average Mens 800m Time
| Age | Time |
| 11-13 | 2:32.00 |
| 13-15 | 2:15.00 |
| 15-17 | 2:04.00 |
| 17-20 | 1:58.50 |
| 20-35 | 1:58.45 |
| 35-40 | 2:15.07 |
| 40-50 | 2:22.50 |
| 50-60 | 2:31.50 |
| 60+ | 2:35.00 |
Average Women’s 800m Time
| Age | Time |
| 11-13 | 2:38.00 |
| 13-15 | 2:28.00 |
| 15-17 | 2:24.00 |
| 17-20 | 2:18.00 |
| 20-35 | 2:13.00 |
| 35-40 | 2:42.00 |
| 40-50 | 2:56.00 |
| 50-60 | 3:13.00 |
| 60+ | 3:27.00 |
Factors which can impact your 800m time
- Wind – You’re guaranteed to run into the wind at least twice during 800m. A powerful wind will take more out of your performance than you gain when the wind is with you. You can use this tactically by running behind someone when you’re running into a headwind.
- Age – Age is self-explanatory; as you move up the age groups, you’ll get quicker until around the age of 35. After this point, you will struggle to maintain the same time year after year.
- Tactics – the 800m is incredibly tactical. In championships, it tends to be slower due to the tactics that come into the race.
Check out the best spikes you can wear for the 800m.
What are the 800m world records?
The mens 800m world record is held by David Rudisha in a time of 1:40.91 (2012). Jarmila Kratochvílová set the Women’s world record in 1:53.28 (1983).