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800-meter Run Test

The 800m run test can be considered an anaerobic 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.

800 meter Run Test arund the track800 meter Run Test around the track

equipment required: oval or 400m running track, stopwatch, recording sheets.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.



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 are required to maximize the subject performance, and also the test results can be affected greatly by motivation.



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Testing Extra

We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer.

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