how fast do cheetahs run

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to about 120 km/h (75 mph) in short bursts. They can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in less than 3 seconds, faster than many sports cars. During a sprint, a cheetah's stride can be as long as 6 to 7 meters, and it can complete about four strides per second. However, they can only maintain their top speed for about 20 to 30 seconds before overheating and tiring out. Their incredible speed is supported by specialized physical adaptations, including a lightweight body, long thin legs, a flexible spine, semi-retractable claws for traction, and a long tail that helps with balance and steering during high- speed chases. Typically, a cheetah's running speed during hunts varies, with bursts reaching the maximum but often averaging lower speeds during the chase.