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 consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

The 2.4km (1½ miles) run test monitors the athlete's development of aerobic capacity (VO₂ max). You can use the test result to predict an athlete's potential times at 1500m, 5k and 10k and assess 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 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 informs the athlete 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 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, please look at the VO₂max page.

Analysis

The test result is analysed 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 how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strictly the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides a variety of factors influencing the results and 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 is 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 - a 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