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 (VO2 max). 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 athlete's performance
For an analysis of your VO2 max score see the VO2 max 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 (VO2 max).
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
References
- 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.
Related References
The following references provide additional information on this topic:
- HARTUNG, G. et al. (1993) Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake from submaximal exercise testing in aerobically fit and non-fit men. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 64 (8), p. 735-740.
- LARSEN, G. et al. (2002) Prediction of maximum oxygen consumption from walking, jogging, or running. Research quarterly for exercise and sport, 73 (1), p. 66-72.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2005) 2.4km Run Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/24kmruntest.htm [Accessed
Related Pages
The following Sports Coach pages provide additional information on this topic: