The fastest land animal in the world is the cheetah. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (112 kilometers per hour) in short bursts covering distances of 500 meters or less. Cheetahs are built for speed, with long and slender bodies, lightweight bones, and powerful muscles. Their speed and agility help them catch prey such as small antelopes and gazelles. However, they cannot maintain this speed for very long and need to rest for about 30 minutes after a chase.