The purpose of the investigation was to explore the validity of using timed distance runs as predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness in young untrained children. Maximal oxygen consumption and performance in runs of 549, 1207, and 1609 meters (600 yards, 3/4 mile, and 1 mile) were compared in 38 children eight years of age. Males were found to exceed females on Vo2max and possessed significantly faster times in the 1207 and 1609 meter runs. The females exhibited greater six-site skin-fold totals. The 1609 meter run proved to be the best predictor of Vo2max (ml/kg) in males. However, none of the three distances was acceptable for females.