Hippopotamuses, despite their lumbering appearance, are surprisingly fast on land, especially over short distances. On average, a hippo can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour (about 18.6 miles per hour). This might not seem exceptionally fast compared to some other animals, but considering their size and weight, it's quite impressive.

The question "how fast can a hippo run" often arises due to their reputation as primarily aquatic animals. However, when they do move on land, they can cover short distances quickly, especially in pursuit of prey or when threatened. Their powerful legs and muscular bodies enable them to achieve these speeds despite weighing anywhere from 1,500 to 3,200 kilograms (3,300 to 7,000 pounds).

Interestingly, despite their agility on land, hippos are more built for aquatic life, where they can move at speeds of around 8 kilometres per hour (about 5 miles per hour) with ease. This adaptation allows them to navigate through water swiftly using their webbed feet and barrel-shaped bodies, which are well-suited for buoyancy and streamlined movement.

In summary, while hippos may not be the fastest runners in the animal kingdom, they certainly possess surprising speed on land, making them formidable when they need to be. So, "how fast can a hippo run?" Up to 30 kilometers per hour when motivated!