“Elk can reach a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour. In comparison, the average horse can hit 29 mph while galloping, with a theoretical maximum of 55 mph,” according to OutDoorHub.com
The Guinness Book of World Records states that the fastest race speed ever recorded was achieved by a horse named “Winning Brew,” which was able to run just under 44 mph.
Over rough terrain such as snow, wild elk will easily beat their domesticated cousins by a long shot, OutDoorHub.com states.
Despite their size, elk can leap up to eight feet.