Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Anaerobic Capacity > 800 meter Run
800 meter Run Test
The 800m run test can be considered an anerobic capacity test that is a bit long, or an aerobic fitness test that is a bit short. As an aerobic test, it may be suitable for children. See also the 1km run test, which has a variation over 800m for teenage girls.
- equipment required: oval or 400m running track, stopwatch.
- procedure: The aim of this test is to complete the 800 meter course in the quickest possible time. To start, all participants line up behind the starting line. On the command ‘go,’ the clock will start, and they will begin running at their own pace. Cheering or calling out the elapsed time is also permitted to encourage the participants to achieve their best time.
- scoring: The total time taken to run 800m is recorded. Use the table below to get a rating from the test time for adults.
| Rating | Time (minutes/seconds) |
|---|---|
| poor | more than 3'45" |
| below average | 3'31" - 3'45" |
| average | 3'16" - 3'30" |
| above average | 3'01" - 3'15" |
| good | 2'46" - 3' |
| excellent | 2'45" or less |
- reliability: the reliability of this test would depend on practice and pacing strategies and motivation level. There should be good reliability if these issues are addressed.
- advantages: large groups can be tested at once, and it is a very cheap and simple test to perform.
- disadvantages: practice and pacing is required to maximize the subject performance, and also the test results can be affected greatly by motivation.
- variations: see the 1km run, 300m anarobic run test
