The RRCA has partnered with Road Race Management and leading event directors from around the country to provide an affordable education opportunity for anyone interested in putting on road or trail running events.

Our Program Goals

• Provide a baseline of knowledge for anyone that directs road or trail running events;
• Provide a structured program for individuals seeking to become certified race directors through a recognized national association for the sport;
• Provide credentials to race directors that may assist in the permitting process;
• Provide continuing education opportunities and requirements for certified race directors;
• Provide a Code of Ethics for Certified Race Directors to follow to ensure integrity in the sport and running event management.

Who should take this course?

• This program is ideal for running club volunteers that direct races on behalf of their club;
• For a race director putting on an event for sport or fundraising purposes;
• For individuals interested in producing races as a business opportunity;
• For seasoned event directors to lead by example and to have a nationally recognized credential.

RRCA Race Director Certification is not mandatory for race directors seeking to insure events through the RRCA insurance program, however the program is extremely valuable to both new and seasoned event directors. Completing the Race Director Certification course shows that an event director is mindful of best practices and in turn should produce quality events. While this course is not required for all race directors, event participants should expect a safe race, quality event from a certified race director.  RRCA running club members seeking to provide training for volunteer race directors should contact the RRCA to obtain a sample letter of understanding to sign between the running club and the volunteer race director taking the course on behalf of the club.  RRCA nonprofit running club members should contact the RRCA about discounted program opportunities for multiple race directors taking the course.

How the Program Works

• The program is an online learning course that gives participants the opportunity to learn at their own pace​ and on their own schedule with no in-person requirements  (View the sample module)
• The program consists of 6 online-learning modules that are 60-90 minutes each and presented by experienced race directors and subject experts  (View the course syllabus)
• The course covers all twenty-one chapters in the course textbook, Organizing Running Events, by Phil Stewart
• Payment must be received before participants will be granted access to the course
• After receipt of payment, participants will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions for accessing the course, and the coursebook will be mailed (additional fees will apply for coursebooks mailed outside of the U.S.)
• All modules must be viewed in full and in sequence order to progress through the course
• Following completion of all 6 learning modules, each participant will be required to take a 100-question exam and receive a passing score of 85% to complete the program
• Participants must complete the course within 6-months of signing up, or a fee will be assessed to complete the course after this period
• To be a fully recognized RRCA Certified Race Director, participants must agree to abide by the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics.  A signed and notarized copy of the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics must be submitted to the RRCA via fax, mail, or email to finalize certification requirements.  Find details on the Final Steps page.

Course Cost and Final Steps

• The cost of the course is $250, which includes access to all 6 learning modules, the course textbook, access to the online test, and a certificate of completion.
• Use the Pay Now button below to pay via PayPal.  Following payment DO NOT close the payment window, as you will be redirected to instructions for accessing the course modules.  We will also email you the access information, but this may take up to 24 to 48-hours depending on time of payment.  For example, if you pay on a Saturday, we will email you access information on Monday.  A course book will be mailed to you following payment and may take 3-7 days to arrive depending on your location.  Why the delay in emailing access information? This program has real humans monitoring registration and progress through the course.  

• RRCA Certified Race Directors will be listed on the RRCA website so people can verify certification status when working with a race director.
• RRCA Certified Race Directors must pay an annual individual membership fee of $20 to maintain certification and listing on the RRCA website.
• To maintain certification, race directors will be required to maintain 20-hours of continuing education credits (CEC) over each 4-year period.
• CECs can be earned by attending the Road Race Management Race Directors Meeting for 16 CECs per year, attending the RRCA Convention for 4 CECs per year, and other CEC opportunities that are pre-approved and promoted by the RRCA (see Certified Race Directors Private page).

Enter RRCA Race Director Certification Course

Payment is required to view the course modules

List of RRCA Certified Race Directors >>

​Insurance for Certified Race Directors >>

Certified Race Directors Private Page >>