Giraffes can run at a top speed of about 55 to 60 km/h (34 to 37 mph) in short bursts, but they are not endurance runners and can sustain speeds around 10 to 16 km/h (6 to 10 mph) for longer distances. Their running gait is unique, involving pacing where they move both legs on one side of the body simultaneously, and they switch to a galloping gait at high speeds. This speed and running style help giraffes escape predators despite their large size and height.