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RUNNING EDUCATION

Running Coach Certification

Embark on your journey to becoming a comprehensive running specialist with our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification. This program equips you with the training expertise and personalized approach that runners seek to achieve outstanding results, making it ideal for members of a local running club or an aspiring running coach.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Become A Certified Running Coach

Our certification course is designed for those aspiring to become expert running coaches, focusing on the crucial balance between performance and fitness in run training. We emphasize consistent, scientifically principled training personalized for each runner, addressing the common issue of training load errors—responsible for up to 60% of runner injuries—often caused by overly rapid, excessive, or frequent training progression.

The course offers a deep dive into scientific training principles, featuring a systematic approach to crafting individualized training plans. A key component is learning to quantify training load effectively using the Rate of Perceived Exertion and Acute to Chronic Workload Ratios.

Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of exercise science, coaching philosophy, and the intricacies of designing annual training plans, workout regimes, and event-specific training strategies. This systematic and personalized approach equips any aspiring certified running coach with the skills to achieve exceptional results in preventing injuries and enhancing runner performance.

Personalization

In our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, future certified running coaches will master the art of personalization through our exclusive 6-step process. This methodology is designed to tailor training plans that align perfectly with each runner’s unique abilities, goals, and physical conditioning.

Scientific Approach

You will gain an in-depth understanding of running mechanics and how to craft training programs that are scientifically sound and effective. Those aiming to become a certified running coach must have a keen focus on these fundamental components of endurance running performance:

Race Specific Plans

Success in endurance running hinges on meticulous planning and strategic preparation. Our certification program equips you with the skills to design detailed training schedules for various race distances, including 5k, half marathon, and marathon.

Training plans are important, but constitute less than 20% of what makes a successful certified running coach –– while continuing education courses playing a vital role. You will learn to apply broader coaching principles, such as motivation, psychology, and athlete management, to support and enhance your athletes’ performance.

Coaching Principles

The best running coach certification program teaches running coaches to master the language of run training, enabling them to communicate effectively and professionally with their athletes –– whether they’re elite runners or long distance runners.

This knowledge sets you apart as a true running specialist, capable of conveying complex training concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.

Training Load

Since understanding and managing training load is crucial for any coach in endurance sports, our running coach certification programs introduce you to advanced concepts like session Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the balance between Acute and Chronic Workloads. These tools are essential for quantifying and modifying the training load for your athletes, ensuring optimal performance and injury prevention.

Portal

Receive a free trial to the RunDNA Portal to organize your runners data and track their progress.

A Preview of Our Running Coach Certification Program

Priced at $299, this course is meticulously designed to provide a systematic approach to personalizing each training plan, enabling you to quantify fitness levels and training loads effectively, essential in today’s competitive coaching environment.
"Understanding the demands of training at this level is a must for any medical practitioner who wants to work with our runners. Collaboration between medical, coaching and other physio support staff is imperative for the success of our athletes and RunDNA gets at the heart of this."
Joan Hunter
Head Coach Tinman Elite
"The RunDNA systematic approach unpacks the layers of coaching and focuses on maximizing personalization in training. It was immediately applicable as a tool in coaching distance runners and equipped me with more confidence, and most importantly, results for my runners."
Coach LK
USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist, USATF Cross Country Specialist, CRGA1, CRGA2, ERC1
The coursework was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout. I am excited to apply what I have learned to both my coaching and personal training careers. This was a great course and the information is useful in training myself, providing training tips for patients and also evaluating plans they are currently using. I really enjoyed this course and found it very motivating!
Great informational course! I have taken other run coach certifications in the past that have disappointed me, this one largely made me a better coach. Thank you!
Become a Running Expert
Become a Running Expert

scientific approach to training load

Learn to apply scientific methods to your training strategies. This includes understanding how to balance and adjust training loads to optimize performance and reduce injury risks, which is especially important to endurance runners.

race-specific training plans

Gain expertise in crafting tailored training plans for different race distances. This skill is vital in preparing athletes for various events, from short 5k races to challenging marathons.

Certification Credits

Successfully completing this course will earn you 7.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), contributing to your professional development in endurance sports coaching services.

Exclusive RunDNA App Trial
Integrating Technology in Coaching

As part of the Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, an essential part of our running coach certification programs, you will gain exclusive access to the innovative RunDNA app trial. This powerful tool is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the coaching process, giving you these advantages:

  • Aligns with Certification Principles: Integrates seamlessly with the methodologies and strategies taught in the certification course.
  • Personalized Training Plan Support: Enables the creation of customized training plans specific to each runner’s needs and goals.
  • Enhances Runner Communication: Improves your ability to communicate effectively with athletes, providing clear feedback and guidance.
  • Provides Performance Insights: Offers valuable data and analytics on runners’ performance, aiding in more informed coaching decisions.
  • Facilitates Progress Tracking: Tracks and monitors the development of your athletes, allowing for timely adjustments in training regimes, a major component to mastering running technique.
  • Analyzes Running Form: Helps assess and improve runners’ techniques, contributing to better performance and injury prevention.
  • Supports Informed Decision-Making: Aids in making data-driven decisions that positively impact your runners’ training outcomes.
Learn About the App
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Become a Certified Endurance Running Coach

Endurance Running Coach Certification
save $25 with the ERC+UTF Bundle

the endurance bundle

$423

Get all the knowledge and skills to become the go-to in endurance run coaching. Learn the physiology of running, the importance of personalization, coaching principles, managing training load, and creating race specific plans for various distances from the 5k to ultramarathon distances.

  • Certified Endurance Running Coach
  • Ultra Training Fundamentals
  • Race specific training plans included
  • 10.75 CEU hours

Level 1 Certified Endurance running coach

$299

Complete your training with a systematic approach to personalize each training plan. Central to the course is a scientifically backed method which quantifies fitness levels and training loads.

  • Three key components of endurance running performance
  • Scientific Approach to training load
  • Race specific training plans
  • 7.5 CEU Hours

ultra training fundamentals

$149

Design ultramarathon training plans with confidence by learning how to assess both the athlete and the race. Create individualized programs that reflect terrain demands, training history, and runner mindset.

  • Athlete & Race Interview Framework
  • 3 Personas for Individualized Training
  • Macrocycle Planning for Ultra Success
  • Gait Considerations for Performance & Injury Prevention
  • 3.25 CEU Hours

MEET YOUR INDUSTRY LEADING INSTRUCTORS

Doug Adams

PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS

Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to gait. Doug has taught thousands of professionals his systematic approach to providing personalized plans for runners through the Certified Running Gait Analyst and Endurance Running Coaching courses. He also designed and created a portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running and walking form that is used widely throughout the Department of Defense and commercial sectors.

  • Team PT for Tinman Elite Professional Running Team
  • Adjunct faculty for the 711th Human Performance Wing of the US Air Force
  • Co-Founder Omega Project PT in Wilmington, Delaware that specializes in treating endurance athletes
Be the "Go-To" Running Specialist
Be the "Go-To" Running Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Certified Running Coach Today

Enrolling in a running coach certification program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in endurance running coaching. Join us now and become the coach every runner aspires to have.

FAQs

After signing up, you’ll gain lifetime access to the course. You can use our website and the mobile app to view the entirety of the online course, allowing you to view and learn at your own pace.

If you want to understand the principles of running training, this course is perfect for you –– this course offers a systematic strategy for creating personalized plans that are known to deliver excellent results.

For those in the Medical and Fitness fields, including physical therapists, familiarize yourself with terms and ideas to help your clients achieve their peak performance.

Many running coaches are self-taught, so it’s essential to be informed to avoid hitting a plateau or, even worse, sustaining an injury. You don’t need any prior background or specific technology to benefit from this course.

YES! This course is worth 7.5 CEU hours. We have approvals with the BOC, NSCA, PACE, and many state PT boards/associations. Please check your state to confirm approval. The majority of US states are approved via reciprocity rules. See the specific rules for your state below. States not approved will say “Not Pre-Approved.”

AL: AC 7 00-X-2-.08 (5)
AK: Section 12 AAC 54.420, 1d-e
AR: Pre-Approval Not Req.
AZ: Accepts APTA Approval (OH, TX)
CA: Board Approved Provider
CO: 4 CCR 7 32-1,L,3b1
CT: Section 20-7 3b
DE: Section 13.2.1
FL: Rule-Approved Provider
DC: Accepts APTA Approval (OH, TX)
GA: Rule 490-4-.02, 3, ab
HI: HRS section 461J-10.13
ID: IDAPA 24 – 24.13.01, 250.09
IL: Licensed CE Sponsor
IN: IC 25-1-4-0.2, Sec 5, a, 9
IA: IA Guideline for CE Sponsors
KS: K.A.R. 100-15-4
KY: 201 KAR 22:045, Sec.2, 2a
LA: Not Pre-Approved
MA: 259 CMR 7 .03(2b)
ME: Not Req.
MD: Accepts APTA Approval (OH, TX)
MI: R 338.7 163
MN: Board Approved # 11900
MS: Accepts APTA Approval (OH, TX)
MO: 20 CSR 2150-3.203, 5, A
MT: 24.17 7 .2105, 9, ii.
NC: 21 NCAC 48G .0108,c6
NE: 17 2 NAC 137 , 002.05
NH: Phy 406.03
ND: R&R, article 61.5-03-02-02. 1
NM: Accepts APTA Approval (OH, TX)
NJ: Board Approved # 2412-7 8
NV: Not Pre-Approved
NY: Not Pre-Approved
OK: Not Pre-Approved
OH: APTA Approved # 25S0484
OR: 848-035-0030, Sec 2ab
PA: § 40.67 , d
RI: 13.4.5, d, 3
SC: 101–07 , 3b
SD: Article 20:66:03:02
TN: Not Pre-Approved
TX: APTA Approved # 80038TX
UT: R156-24b-303b 2, c
VT: Rule 4.4. c, 3, 4
VA: 18VAC112-20-131, B, 1
WA: WAC 246-915-085
WI: Section PT 9.04, b
WV: Not Pre-Approved
WY: Ch 6, Section 2a

BOC:

The course is approved for 7.5 Category A CEUs through the BOC.

NSCA:

This program is eligible for Category A CE. NSCA – The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved 0.7 CEU(s) in category C for certified indiv iduals who successfully complete this course. [L1 647 -HSL1ER].

PACE:

RunDNA is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.

Although we strongly recommend that you pursue further learning (and we’ll offer chances to do just that), there’s no obligation to uphold the certification.