A Vo₂ kinetics at a rapid increase in running speed from 200m/min (56% Vo₂ max) to 240m/min (70% Vo₂ max) was studied in 9 female distance runners, who had been involved in a training for Ekiden race. Their Vo₂ max averaged 60.60ml/kg/min with a range of 54-65ml/kg/min. The rate of Vo₂ increase was fit by a non-linear least squares regressions to a single exponential model, and times were calculated for the response to reach a 50 (t1/2), 60 (t3/5), 80 (t4/5)% of steady state values. No significant single correlation was found between best performance in 3000m race and Vo₂t1/2, t3/5 or t4/5. The VT-Vo₂ averaged 48.86me/kg/min and was significantly correlated with 3000m best time (r= -0.768, p<0.05), while correlation of Vo₂max with performance was not significant (r= -0.555, p>0.05). The time in 3000m race performed within a month after a treadmill test was not significantly correlated with any of cardio-respiratory parameters. However, when the Vo₂t3/4 or Vo₂t4/5 was combined with VT-Vo₂, and used to correlate with performance multiple correlations were significant.
　The present study demonstrated that the rate of Vo₂ rise at an increase of running speed augments the degree of association with performance in 3000m race in female runners, if it is combined with VT.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.10/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE