Since 2013, hundreds of race directors have completed the RRCA Race Director Certification Course. Developed in partnership with Road Race Management and industry leaders, the course provides a baseline of knowledge for both new and seasoned race directors that direct road or trail running events.
While this course is not required to access the RRCA insurance program, completing the Race Director Certification course shows that an event director is mindful of best practices and in turn should produce quality events.
Our Program Goals
- Provide a baseline of knowledge for anyone that directs road or trail running events.
- Provide a structured program of individuals seeking to become certified race directors.
- Provide credentials to race directors that may assist in the permitting process
- Provide a Code of Ethics for Certified Race Directors to ensure integrity in the sport and event management.
How to Earn the RRCA Certified Race Director Credential
Learn-at-your-own pace online program with no in-person requirements.
Cost: $280 – includes course access and the hardcopy coursebook, Organizing Running Events 2nd Edition, by Phil Stewart.
The program consists of 6 online video modules that are 60-90 minutes each presented by experienced race directors and subject experts. The course covers all twenty-one chapters in the coursebook.
Purchase and Access the Course
- Launch the RRCA's Education Hub (opens in new tab).
- Create your RRCA Education Hub account, purchase the course, and follow instructions in the Hub.
- View 100% of each module (hint, you can't fast forward through it or turn off the volumn). Plan for 10+ hours to complete the program.
- Complete and pass the 100 question exam with a passing score of 85% or more.
- Attest to reading the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics and agree to follow it.
- The system will generate a downloadable certificate of completion. It will also save to your profile in the RRCA Education Hub.
- Look for an email with your shareable RRCA Certified Race Director logo.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Volunteers that direct races on behalf of their running club;
- Race directors putting on an event for sport or fundraising purposes;
- Individuals interested in producing races as a business or fundraising opportunity;
- Experienced event directors leading by example to promote a nationally-recognized credential.
For nonprofit running clubs and event organizations that reimburse a volunteer race director to complete the course on behalf of their organization, the RRCA has created a sample agreement to clarify reimbursement requirements, non-compete expectations, and more. Download the sample letter of agreement 
Contact [email protected] about discounted course fees if you already own a copy of the coursebook or if your nonprofit organization is registering multiple race directors at one time.
What Race Directors Say about the Program
