Why can cheetahs run at top speed for only short distances?

Cheetahs are limited to short, high-speed sprints because their intense physiological activity during a chase generates body heat faster than they can dissipate it through panting and sweating through their paws.12

While cheetahs are the world's fastest land animals—capable of reaching speeds up to 114 km (71 miles) per hour—this rapid exertion requires significant energy. To support such intense movement, their bodies rely on large internal organs, including the heart and lungs, to facilitate high-speed pursuits. However, because they cannot release the resulting heat quickly enough, these sprints are typically restricted to distances of less than 200 to 300 meters (660 to 980 feet).12