What's the Difference Between Running and Jogging? Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Running Beginners The Difference Between Running and Jogging By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 07, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Print Verywell / Ryan Kelly What's the difference between jogging and running? Is there really a difference between the two? And does it even matter? For some people, it does. In some running communities, being referred to as a "jogger" is not complimentary. But the definition can vary and there really isn't a strict rule that clearly delineates when you are running and when you are jogging. Jogging vs Running Jogging is typically considered a slow form of running. Although there isn't a strict rule for running pace vs. jogging pace, many sources say that the cutoff is 6 mph or about a 10-minute mile. This is equal to about 30 minutes to run 5K. At this point, you are considered to be running, but below that, you're jogging. This is not set in stone, but rather a suggestion for how to gauge jogging vs running. If you run a 10-minute per mile pace, it will take you just over 30 minutes to complete a 5K race. A 10K will take just over an hour and a marathon will take 4:22 to complete. According to some reports, the average running pace for a woman is 10:21 per mile and the average running pace for a man is 9:03 per mile. But there really isn't any strict standard. It's not as if once you drop below a certain pace, you are suddenly defined as a jogger rather than a runner. In fact, most people run at various different paces depending on their distance, and most people slow down once they reach a certain age. So a distinction based on pace would be very confusing. There is no strict standard for when runners become joggers, although some sources say that if you jogging begins at a 10-minute per mile pace or 6 mph. Does the Word Matter Some people believe that joggers are more casual runners—those who run occasionally but don't follow a training schedule and don't compete in races. What Some Runners and Joggers Say You'll hear some people say "I'm a jogger, definitely NOT a runner." These people may be taken aback if they're put in the "runner" category—as if they are not worthy of the title. By the same token, there are plenty of runners who get offended if someone calls them a jogger. The casual nature of the word may bother some athletes who are serious about their sport. Runners don't want to be thought of as someone who just goes out for a leisurely jog once in a while. To them, running is more of an athletic pursuit, a lifestyle, and a passion. Runners often see themselves as fully invested in training. They're not just out there trying to burn some calories—they're running with a purpose, working hard, and accomplishing goals. They may not be the fastest or most accomplished runners, but they love the sport and they take it seriously. How Fast Should I Run? What Some Experts Say Dr. George Sheehan, a best-selling author from the 1970s, is quoted as saying that "the difference between a runner and a jogger is a signature on a race application." Of course, that quote is little dated, since most people now enter races online with no signature required, but the idea remains relevant. Basically, if you enjoy running enough that you have entered a road race, you're a runner—regardless of how fast you are or how long you've been doing it. However, participating in a race shouldn't be a requirement to call yourself a runner. There are plenty of people who have been running for years that have never put on a race bib. Health Benefits of Running and Jogging While there is research that links faster running with greater health benefits (including a decreased risk for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes) the study authors are quick to point out that their results do not prove causality. That means faster running doesn't necessarily cause better health. In fact, most health experts will tell you that the best exercise for optimal health is the exercise that you are willing to do on a regular basis. And in fact, many running coaches combine speed training (training at a faster pace) with days when your runs involve running for a long slow distance (LSDs). The bottom line is that when you decide to call yourself a runner is really a matter of personal preference. There's no pace test or threshold you need to pass to prove that you're a runner. And you don't need to run a race or wear special shoes to become a runner. If you've been jogging for years and you plan to keep jogging, then go right ahead and call it that. But if you love the sport (even if you dislike it sometimes), no matter your pace or level of experience, you can proudly call yourself a runner. The Time It Takes to Train for a 10K and Your Fitness Level 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Press Release. 2015 Stravia Insights Show Cycling and Running Landscape in the U.S. Outdoor Industry Association. Published online. Williams PT. Relationship of running intensity to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(10):1740-8. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817b8ed1 Additional Reading Williams P. T. (2008). Relationship of running intensity to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 40(10), 1740–1748. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817b8ed1 By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles Learn Your Pace With Our Running Pace Calculator How to Run Faster What Is a Good 10k Time for Beginners and Advanced Runners? Running for Beginners: How to Get Started 5 Benefits of Speed Walking How to Know How Fast You Are Walking 4-Week 5K Training Plan for Beginners How Long Does It Take to Run a Marathon? What Is a Good Half Marathon Time? 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