Race Director Certification Course

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 a distance running event. 

Our program goals are to:

• Provide a baseline of training and knowledge for anyone that directs a distance running event;
• 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 help ensure the integrity of the sport and running event management.

Who should take this course:

• This training 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 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

• Program participants do not have to attend an in-person classroom setting
• This program is a self-study course that gives you the opportunity to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule
• The program is an online learning system with accompanying textbook
• The program consists of 6 online-learning modules that are 60-90 minutes each (View the sample module)
• Each module is presented by an experienced race director or subject expert
• Modules must be viewed in full and in sequence order to progress through the training program
• Following completion of all 6 learning modules, each participant will be required to take a 100 question exam
• Participants must receive 80% or greater on the final exam to complete the program
• You 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 Certified Race Director by the RRCA, 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.
• 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

What Does the Course Cover and What is the Cost?

• The course covers all twenty-one chapters in the course textbook, Organizing Running Events, by Phil Stewart
• View the course syllabus for each module including presenter information
• The cost of the course is $250, which includes access to all 6 learning modules, a course textbook, access to the online test, and certificate of completion
• Certified Race Directors will be listed on the RRCA website so people can verify certification status when working with a race director
• Certified Race Directors must pay an annual individual membership fee of $20 to maintain certification and listing on the RRCA website






Enter the course (you must pay the course fee to access the password protected modules and exam)