2.4 Km Run Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. 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 conduct 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

Assessment

I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.

The lap times can be used to analyse the athlete's pace judgement and 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.

Burger et al. (1990)^[1] determined the VO₂ max from the test results could be calculated as follows:

VO₂ max = 85.95 - (3.079 x Run Time [minutes]) {±2.24-2.91 ml/kg/min}.

To obtain a predicted VO₂ max, 1.5km, 5km and 10km times enter the 2.4km time and then select the Calculate button.

2.4km time	minutes seconds

VO₂ max	ml/kg/min
Predicted 1.5km time	minutes seconds
Predicted 5km time	minutes seconds
Predicted 10km time	minutes seconds

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 measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on 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 athlete can administer the test

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.

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

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