The 5 Best Running Coach Certifications of 2024

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Competitive running is often thought of as an interscholastic or elite sport, but with over 2,800 half marathons and over 1,100 marathons in America alone, distance running has become a popular hobby. And though some run just for the sake of running, many runners find themselves bit by the competition bug after their first race—after all, don’t we all finish thinking, “I could definitely do that faster.” And with growing interest comes growing demand for running coaches.

While the way into the world of coaching used to be working your way up from athlete to assistant coach and so on, many organizations and even individuals want to see a certification to make sure that you are knowledgeable, properly trained and capable of coaching safely and successfully. Luckily, your road to coaching is quite attainable. Most run coach certification programs are conducted online, can be done in your own time and come in at under $600.

Whether you are a certified personal trainer (CPT) looking to add some treadmill workout classes to your repertoire, or an elite athlete wanting to help amateur runners reach their potential, there are some great options out there for you. We gathered up five of the best run coaching certification programs and reviewed each one to help you decide which is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about each program, and get more info on what to consider for your coaching goals.

Our Picks for the Best Running Coach Certifications:

• Best for Current CPTs: ISSA Running Coach Certification
• Best for Distance Runners: Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA) Coaching Certification
• Most Well-Rounded: USA Track and Field (USATF) Running Coach Certification
• Most Affordable: McMillan Running Coaching Certification
• Most Comprehensive: United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) Running Coach Certification

Best for Current CPTs: ISSA Running Coach Certification

Specs

• Price: $639.20
• Requirements: Must be 18 or older, must have an active CPR certification, must have a high school diploma
• Material you learn: Human anatomy and terminology, programing for running training, training adaptations, running training programs, special running considerations, running injury prevention and management
• Pass rate: 90 percent
• Test type: Open-book, 100 multiple choice questions
• Best for: Current CPTs and the scientifically minded

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) provides a pretty comprehensive running coach certification that is great for those that are looking to coach running exclusively, or add it as a specialty if you are already a CPT. If you are an ISSA-certified CPT, this is a particularly great option as you can keep your certifications under the same accreditation. This certification course is completed with an untimed, open-book exam which is great for those who have a hard time with test-taking in a traditional setting.

This course also covers a wide range of material with everything from training plans and programing, to biomechanics and injury prevention which gives the testee a broad understanding of run coaching from all angles. This program also provides support both during and after the certification is complete, so you will be able to reach out for advice as you begin coaching on your own.

What we like:

• Open-book exam
• Covers a wide range of knowledge
• Respected certification
• Support during and after exam

What to consider:

• Must have CPR/AED
• Will have better luck in training if you also have a CPT certification

Best for Distance Runners: Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA) Coaching Certification

Specs:

• Price: $355 for Level 1, $750 for Level 2
• Requirements: Must have a high school diploma
• Material you learn: Level 1 focuses on adult distance running, while Level 2 dives deeper into physiology, sports psychology and biomechanics
• Pass rate: Not listed
• Test type: Open-book, 100 multiple choice questions for Level 1, 50 multiple choice questions for Level 2; online exam
• Best for: Distance enthusiasts

The Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA) is the largest and longest-running national association of runners and running clubs in America—which also makes it an expert source when it comes to creating a coaching program. This program comprises two levels—the first focuses mainly on adult distance running though it does touch on training kids as well. Level two focuses more on the scientific, physiological, competitive and managerial aspects that will help you to work well with both individual clients and groups.

There are two tests to complete both of these levels. Both are open-book, multiple choice, and can be taken online, and they range from 50 to 100 questions for each perspective level. This course also offers options for both online and in-person classes, so you can choose the learning technique that works best for you.

What we like:

• Comes from a respected organization
• Produces a well rounded and educated coach
• Can be done online or in person
• Can be taken before getting a CPR cert

What to consider:

• Only focuses on distance running
• No refunds for in-person courses

Most Well-Rounded Education: USA Track and Field (USATF) Running Coach Certification

Specs:

• Price: $210 for Level 1
• Requirements: Must be 18 and have a current USATF membership
• Material you learn: Sports science and coaching individual events, how to coach athletes of all levels; fundamentals of coaching as well as injury prevention and safety
• Pass rate: Not found
• Test type: Online or in-person
• Best for: The serious runner or aspiring track coach

USATF is the authority on running in America. As the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States, there is arguably no better source for getting a well-rounded and thorough training experience.

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This course has a total of three levels. The first has no education prerequisites, and provides training in coaching all ages, levels and track events from sprints to long distance. The second level focuses on more in-depth physiology and training theory as well as allowing you to specialize in a discipline with options like endurance, jumps, throws, combined events, sprints and youth specialization. In order to take level two, you must have three years of coaching experience. To be eligible for level three, you must have completed levels one and two, and have five levels of coaching experience—as well as currently residing as a primary coach. This level has the same disciplines as level two, but goes even more in-depth, and offers some of the highest level run coaching training available.

What we like:

• Very in-depth training
• Pretty affordable
• Very respected among athletes

What to consider:

• Lots of requirements to get to levels two and three
• Takes a long time to complete

Most Affordable: McMillan Running Coaching Certification

Specs:

• Price: $350
• Requirements: None
• Material you learn: Role of a coach, science and history of running, nutrition, training philosophies, race planning, business
• Pass rate: Not found
• Test type: No test, just course completion
• Best for: Someone looking for a quick, affordable program

The McMillan coaching program was developed by renowned running coach Greg McMillan. It focuses on a holistic approach to run training with information in everything from coaching strategies to the science of running, to physical and mental training, to business plans. This is a self-guided course, which means that you have access to the material at all times and can finish it anytime within the course of three months.

There are no prerequisites with this coaching plan, and while it is self-guided, there are engaging webinars, lifetime access to the community and you are even paired with a mentor coach.

What we like:

• Participants receive a mentor
• Self-guided
• Affordable
• Lifetime access to material

What to consider:

• No final exam
• Not as in-depth as some other courses

Most Comprehensive: United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) Running Coach Certification

Specs:

• Price: $499
• Requirements: Must be 18+
• Material you learn: Anatomy, mental training, race training, nutrition, drills, injury and illness recovery, pacing and more
• Pass rate: Not listed
• Test type: 2 attempts, online exam
• Best for: Coaches looking to train at a high level

The UESCA certification is arguably one of the most comprehensive models on the market. The program is led by elite runner and Olympic trial qualifier Nell Rojas, and includes a team of experts for each discipline so that you get the best education in every area. This program is self-guided, so you have up to one year to study before you have to take the exam. You are given access to experts to ask questions during that year, and access to the content for life.

Unlike other programs, this covers training, coaching skills, recovery practices and injury prevention, but also has some more niche areas like pacing, female physiology, resistance training, race preparation and even guidance on running shoes and gear.

What we like:

• Lifetime access
• Covers a broad range of coaching and training topics
• More niche than other programs
• Two attempts for exam

What to consider:

• Only trains distance coaches (5K to marathon distances)

What Is a Running Coach?

Running coaches are exactly what they sound like—coaches for running. But while they are all coaching the same activity, not all coaches share the same philosophies, or coach the same way for different events.

Running coaches generally work within a specialty—specifically when it comes to distance. Often coaches will focus either on shorter distances (sprints like 100 to 400 meters), mid-distance, (400 meters to the mile) or long distance, (5K to marathon) though there is definitely an overlap for many coaches especially when coaching kids.

Running coaches are trained to know how to help a runner improve through workouts, strength training and a recovery routine which will help them train and perform at their best while avoiding injuries. Many are also able to help you figure out how to fuel your body with proper nutrition, improve mental stamina during races and set realistic goals based on your current fitness level.

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Benefits of Becoming a Certified Running Coach

While many people know a lot about running, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they would be good coaches. Becoming certified will not only give you the breadth of knowledge that you need to train and guide runners through their running goals, it also gives you credibility so they will trust putting their training in your hands.

Having a certification is also necessary for most coaching jobs—particularly at a run club, school or in a personal training setting, and can play a big part in helping you get a job, and making a career of run coaching.

Many of these programs also offer lifetime access to the certification materials which is great for referencing when creating a running plan, training clients or even just as a refresher every now and then.

These certifications will also teach you how to appropriately train people of all ages, genders and fitness levels in both safe and effective ways.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Running Coach Certification for You

• Cost: The price of the certification may not be the most important, but it is definitely something to consider. Most certifications will cost at least $250, but they can get up to almost $1,000 especially in those with multiple levels and more of a weighty course load.

• Time: While most courses are self guided, some will inevitably take more time than others. Some, like the USATF, will require years of training experience before moving on to the next level, so if you are on a time crunch or just anxious to get started, you may wish to opt for a program that is on the speedier side.

• Type of test: Most tests will be online, but some will have in person options as well. Many of the online options are also open-book which is great if you aren’t the best test taker—and some even have the option to take it more than once if you are worried you may not pass the first time.

• Content: Ultimately, the most important part of choosing a running certification program is making sure that it has everything that you want to learn. This mostly pertains to the distance you would like to coach, but also look for training techniques, age specifications, group vs individual, and other factors that will inform your education and future coaching.

• Reputability: Like anything, some certifications are more respected than others. If you are looking for a high level coaching position, you will want to make sure that you choose a coaching program that is respected within the running community.

How We Chose the Best Running Coach Certifications

To choose the best running certification programs we researched the top options available. We chose programs that were well-respected, highly reviewed by those who had completed them and had a well-developed course load that covered all the most important aspects of coaching. We also considered things like price, test type, and prerequisites to choose a range of different programs with an option for everyone. You can check out our full personal training certifications methodology for more info.

Running Coach Certification FAQs

How do I become a running coach?

While it is best to have some previous running experience, becoming a running coach is as simple as completing a running coach certification. From there, you will have the credentials to pursue a coaching position, or begin taking on individual clients.

How much do running coaches make?

The national average for running coaches is about $20 per hour, though it can vary by state, position and experience.

The Takeaway: Is Becoming a Running Coach Right for You?

If you have been considering becoming a running coach for a while, a certification could be a great option for you. Since the job is flexible—especially when working with individual clients—it can be a great addition to a full-time job both as a passion project and as some additional income. Taking the time to get an official certification can also help you feel confident in coaching, give you resources to reference as you begin your coaching journey, and provide clients with a sense of reliability. And while there are undoubtedly a lot of run training apps out there, nothing can provide runners with the personal experience of working one-on-one with a coach.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.