5 Best Run Coaching Certifications

Are you passionate about running and want to help others achieve their running goals? If so, becoming a run coach may be the perfect career for you.

To become a run coach, it will be helpful to have a coaching certification. This will give you credibility and show potential athletes that you’re serious about staying up to date with the latest information and research about running and training.

There are many different run coaching certification programs available, so it is important to choose one that is right for you.

Here are the top 5 best run coaching certifications:

1. Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Running Coach Certification ($335+) The RRCA is the national governing body for running in the United States. Its running coach certification program is designed to prepare coaches to work with runners of all levels and there are 2 levels to the certification. The program covers topics such as training principles, nutrition, and injury prevention. It also includes a practical component, where students learn how to lead running workouts. RRCA Level 1 certification is $335 and the Level 2 certification is $650.
2. United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) Running Coach Certification ($499): The UESCA is a leading provider of endurance sports coaching education. Its running coach certification program is designed for coaches who want to work with runners of all levels. The program covers topics such as training plans, nutrition, and mental preparation. It also includes a practical component, where students learn how to lead running workouts. UESCA also is totally online, has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and lifetime access to materials. Certified coaches will also be able to use the UESCA logo and will receive a Coach Certificate and access to discounted 3rd party liability insurance. The program costs $499.
3. McMillan Running Coaching Certification ($350): The McMillan Running Coaching Certification is designed for coaches who want to work with runners of all levels. The program covers topics such as training plans, nutrition, and injury prevention. It also includes a practical component, where students learn how to lead running workouts. The certification goes for $350 with an option to upgrade for access to the training plan library.
4. USA Track and Field (USATF) Running Coach Certification ($210+) The USATF is the national governing body for track and field in the United States, and has 3 certification levels. Its Level 1 course (ranging from $210-$260 depending on time of signup) is a 21.5-hour live online course that covers fundamentals, rules, safety and risk management, and teaching progressions. It is certified by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) and prepares an individual to coach juniors, high schoolers, and club division levels. The Level 2 Certification provides advanced, in-depth quality education in one event group and the knowledge, skills, and values to write a comprehensive training plan for diverse groups of athletes at any level. Lastly, the Level 3 Certification, which is in partnership with the World Athletics Academy and dives further into a specific event group. It prepares coaches for the national, international, and podium level.
5. VDOT O2 Distance Coaching Certification ($250): V.O2 Certification is an 80-question exam authored by legendary running coach Dr. Jack Daniels around his training philosophy. Students will be given the Daniels’ Running Formula book from which to study, and then will have 2 chances to score 80%+ on the exam and receive a “Certified by Dr. Jack Daniels” coaching badge to use on their resume.

When choosing a run coaching certification program, it is important to consider your needs and goals. If you are not sure which program is right for you, talk to other run coaches or contact the certification organizations directly.

Becoming a run coach is a great way to share your passion for running with others and help them reach their goals. With the right certification, you can be on your way to a successful career in running coaching.

Here are some additional tips for becoming a run coach:

• Get experience: The best way to learn how to be a run coach is to get experience working with runners. You can do this by volunteering at a running club or coaching a local running team.
• Network: Get to know other run coaches in your area. They can provide you with support and advice, and they may be able to help you find clients.
• Market yourself: Let people know that you are a run coach. You can do this by creating a website, blog, and being active on social with helpful running tips and tricks.

With hard work and dedication, you can become a successful run coach and help others achieve their running goals.