2.4 Km Run Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of the 2.4km (1½ miles) run test is to monitor the development of the athlete's aerobic capacity (VO2max). You can use the test result for predicting an athlete's potential times at 1500m, 5k and 10k and assessing their pace judgement.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400 metre track
• Stopwatch
• An assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete is to run 2.4km (6 laps of the track) as fast as possible

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test
• The assistant keeps the athlete informed of the time at the end of each lap and the number of laps remaining to complete the test
• The assistant records the time taken for each lap and the time taken for the athlete to run 2.4km
• The recorded time is used to analyse the athletes performance

The lap times can be used to analyse the athlete's pace judgement. The time taken to complete the 2.4km can be used in the online calculator below to predict the athlete's potential times for 1500m, 5k and 10k.

For an analysis of your VO2max score see the VO2max page.

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's aerobic capacity (VO2max).

Burger et al. (1990)^[1] verified this test as an accurate measure of aerobic capacity in a young male population.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a guide to the athlete's potential future performance and a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• More than one athlete can conduct the test at the same time
• The test can be administered by the athlete

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - 400m track

Referenced Material

1. BURGER, S.C. et al. (1990) Assessment of the 2.4 km run as a predictor of aerobic capacity. S Afr Med J. 15 (78), p. 327-329.

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2005) 2.4km Run Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/24kmruntest.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests