AFP to shorten distance on running course in physical fitness

MANILA, Philippines—As part of its efforts to keep its officers in tip-top condition, and save them from further complications, the Armed Forces of the Philippines aims to shorten the distance of the running course for its physical fitness tests.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said the reason to cut the distance from the original 3.2 kilometers to 2 km was to save its troops from exhaustion that sometimes lead to death.

“Part of the reason is the medical side'” Zagala said.

According to the study of a technical working group focused on the distance change, a person running past 2 km reaches a point of exhaustion and reaching the 3 km mark would bring in complications that sometimes result to death.

Zagala said that the AFP conducts physical fitness tests every six months, however, special units like the Special Forces conduct the tests monthly.

In 2012, Colonel Richard Parcon of the Philippine Air Force died just before finishing the 3.2 km track course in Camp Aguinaldo.

Parcon was 54-years-old when he died.

Since 2010, three officers, two colonels and one lieutenant colonel, died during the runs in Camp Aguinaldo.

Zagala said the deaths that occur during the runs “were unfortunate,” however, the run is a requirement for military officers to get promoted or a requirement to join special operations units.

“There were deaths in the past; they may be able to complete the run, only to go home and collapse,” Zagala said. “So that’s why a study was pushed.”

He added that other countries in the Southeast Asian region usually have their courses set between 1.8 km and 2.4 km.

Despite the shorter distance, Zagala assured that it would now lower the standards as a time requirement is imposed, with the passing grade depending on the age of the soldier.

“There is an adjustment at the time, especially the time to pass and the time to get a higher grade,” Zagala said. “So now you will now strive more without exhausting yourself, you would peak, you will show the peak of your stamina at a shorter distance without exhausting yourself.”

He added that the United States Air Force imposes a 2 km course for its members.

According to the chart that the AFP provided, the minimum passing grade is 70 and the passing time differs depending on the age of the soldier.

For soldiers 21 and below, the passing time is 12:30 for male soldiers and 14:00 for female soldiers.

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