PFT Three-Mile Run Test
The PFT Three-Mile Run Test is a running field test for aerobic fitness. Participants are required to run as fast as possible over the distance. This test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), performed by US Marine personnel every six months.
purpose: This test measures aerobic fitness and leg muscles endurance.
equipment required: 3 mile flat running course, stopwatch, marker cones, 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 using cones. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The aim of this test is to complete the 3-mile course in the shortest possible time. At the start, all marine line up behind the starting line. On the command ‘go,’ the clock will start, and you will begin running at your own pace. Walking is allowed.
run test finishscoring: The total time to complete the course is recorded for each participant. For males approximately 1 point is deducted from a hundred for every 10 seconds slower than 18 minutes, For females approximately one point is deducted from a hundred for every 10 seconds slower than 21 minutes. The participants must run under a certain time to pass the test. See the table below for the minimum requirements for males and females. See PFT for more information about scoring.
| Age | 3-Mile Run (Males) | 3-Mile Run (Females) |
|---|---|---|
| 17-26 | 28:00 | 31:00 |
| 27-39 | 29:00 | 32:00 |
| 40-45 | 30:00 | 33:00 |
| 46+ | 33:00 | 36:00 |
comments: To achieve the best result for this test, adequate practice and good pacing are required, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation.
The Test in Action
- The PFT Three-Mile Run Test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), performed by US Marine personnel every six months.
Similar Tests
- 3-km Run Test — run 3km in the fastest possible time
- 2 Mile Run Test (APFT) — run two miles as fast as you can (Army test)
Related Pages
- PFT testing discussion and scoring.
- General Walk / Run test
- See the comparison page for a overview of the walk and run tests.
- Endurance Run / Walk (1 mile)
- Other aerobic tests
- All fitness test list
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