The 45-second run test requires the participants to run at maximal effort for 45 seconds. This type of time trial test is commonly used by track and field coaches as a measure of speed endurance for 400m & 800m runners.
test purpose: The aim of this test is to complete the maximum distance in 45 seconds. This is a test of an athlete’s ability to run quickly over a moderate distance.
equipment required: oval or 400m running track, marker cones, 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: Place marker cones every 10 meters between 300 to 400m. To start, the participant lines up behind the starting line. On the command ‘ready, start’, the clock will start, and they will begin running. The subject is to run for 45 seconds as fast as possible without stopping. Call out when 45 seconds is up and make note of the distance covered.
scoring: The total distance covered in 45 seconds is recorded. As the world record for the 400m is about 43 seconds (men) and 48 seconds (women), it not expected that anyone will cover more than 400m.
reliability: The actual distance covered is not easy to determine accurately, video recording the test will provide more accurate results. The reliability of this test would also depend on practice and pacing strategies and motivation level.
advantages: it is a very cheap and simple test to perform.
disadvantages: good pacing is required to maximize the performance, and also the test results can be affected greatly by motivation. It is difficult to conduct the test on more than one athlete at a time.
Similar Tests
- 30-second Wingate test — maximum cycle test of anaerobic leg power, conducted over 30 seconds.
- 300m run — time to run 300m on a track testing anaerobic capacity.
- 400m run — time to run 300m on a track
- 800m run — time to run 800m
Related Pages
- Other anaerobic capacity tests
- About the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program.
- ETID Fitness Testing for Triathlon