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Since 2013, hundreds of race directors have completed the RRCA Race Director Certification Course online. Developed in partnership with Road Race Management and other industry leaders, the course provides a baseline of knowledge for both new and seasoned race directors that direct road or trail running events.

Completing the Race Director Certification course shows that an event director is mindful of best practices and in turn should produce quality events.  While the course is not required to access the RRCA insurance program, event participants should expect a safe event produced by an RRCA Certified Race Director.

Our Program Goals

icon link arrow left 2The program is a learn-at-your-own pace online program with no in-person requirements. View the sample module.

icon link arrow left 2The 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, and presenters.

icon link arrow left 2The course covers all twenty-one chapters in the course textbook, Organizing Running Events 2nd Edition, by Phil Stewart.

icon link arrow left 2Payment 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.

icon link arrow left 2The coursebook will be mailed.  Please allow time for delivery, 10+ days.  Additional fees will apply for coursebooks mailed outside of the US.

icon link arrow left 2All modules must be viewed in full, and in sequence, in order to progress through the course.  Slides can be after viewed again after completing a module. RRCA staff receives a viewership report for each participant.  Candidates will not be certified if they fail to view 100% of every module.

icon link arrow left 2Following completion of all 6 learning modules, participants are required to take a 100-question exam and receive a passing score of 85% to complete the program. You may not take the exam before completing the modules.

icon link arrow left 2Participants must complete the course within 6-months of signing up. A $50 fee will be assessed to complete the course beyond the 6month time period.

icon link arrow left 2To finalize the RRCA Certified Race Director credential, participants must agree to abide by the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics and provide a signed and notarized copy via email to [email protected] to finalize the certification requirements

  • 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.

RRCA Race Director Certification Course Fee:

$ 275 00
Includes shipping cost for textbook. Additional fees apply for international shipping.
Register Now!

>> Download the sample letter of agreement icon file 1.  Update to be specific for your club and sign between the running club and volunteer race directors, if the club is paying for volunteers to take the course on behalf of the club. 

icon email 1 Contact RRCA about discounted program fees if registering multiple race directors for the course at one time for your nonprofit organization.

What Race Directors Say about the Program

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