By contrast, top human race-walkers reach speeds of 8 miles per hour without breaking into a full run. Crocodiles can run faster than most people & reach speeds of 17 km/h with their belly run. And in case you're wondering, an average human runs between 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h). These fast crocodiles include Nile, saltwater and American crocodiles – some of the largest species on the planet. The fastest crocodile on record was clocked at 11 miles per hour, during a full gallop. This isn't true! Large crocodiles can run between 15 to 22 mph (24-35 km/h). Most crocodile attack victims never see the crocodile coming - they use surprise, not speed. Find out more. The top speed available to an animal is partially due to its gait. Humans can out run crocodiles on land, and a straight line is the fastest way of putting distance between yourself and the crocodile. How fast can a crocodile run, on land and in water. If by winning you mean surviving it, the crocodile would be the most likely winner, IF the horse didn't run away first. How Fast Can a Crocodile Run? It is often said that you can outwit a crocodile by running in a zig-zag fashion away from it.