Coach in Running Fitness (18+ / 5 days / £360)

The Coach in Running Fitness Award looks to extend the knowledge attained in the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) award. The focus of the award is on coaching participants to improve their fitness through running. To be eligible for this award, candidates must hold a valid LiRF award. To accommodate those moving into running for fitness from a different pathway anyone holding an old UKA Level 1 award or higher or a Coaching Assistant award is also eligible.

The Coach in Running Fitness award explores the broad applications to running for fitness, rather than specific endurance events or distances. Please note, the CiRF programme is not designed for coaches who wish to work with performance athletes taking part in endurance events such as 800m-10,000, steeplechase or walks. These events are best prepared for through the Athletics Coach award which focuses more on the performance side of training.

On successful completion of the four-day attendance only days (three practical days and one day of formal assessment) Coaches in Running Fitness will be licensed to coach in an unsupervised environment.

  • Course Name: Coach in Running Fitness
  • Duration: 5 days (3 day course + 2 hour Safeguarding online zoom module + 1 day assessment)
  • Price: £360 but additional fees may be charged if course work needs to be resubmitted
  • Focus: Running for fitness with individuals 12 years or older
  • Age Requirement: 18
  • Assessment: Yes
  • Pre-requisites: Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)Coaching Assistant, UKA Level 1
  • Once qualified will I require supervision: No
  • Looking ahead what’s next: Event Group Endurance Coach
  • Alternatives: Athletics Coach - if you wish to coach athletes in Track & Field Athletics or athletes 8-12 years old or focus on performance training
  • Lunch: Not included. (We cannot guarantee that all venues have refreshment facilities so please bring lunch and a drink with you).

Who should go on the course?

Coaches must be 18 or over to embark on the CiRF programme. The programme is primarily for those working with individuals who want to run to improve their fitness. All applicants must be active leaders or coaches who have completed as a minimum a Level 1, FiRW, LiRF or Coaching Assistant course.

It is strongly recommended that coaches have three months minimum practical experience of coaching after the completion of the award before commencing on the CiRF programme. Candidates may progress quicker, at their own discretion, however insufficient coaching experience may have an impact in successfully completing the assessed elements of the programme.

CiRF is about the broad application to non-track based endurance running events rather than specific events or distances. If you want to coach middle and long distance ON TRACK you should take the Athletics Coach award.

Where can I get more information regarding this course?

Full details of this course can be found on British Athletics' uLearnAthletics.com website HERE.

If you would like to see the resources provided on this course before you attend they are also on uLearnAthletics.com HERE

When will the next course run?

Visit the Upcoming Courses page for further details on the next CiRF courses. If you do not see a suitable date or course available, please fill out the Expression of Interest  form to receive primary communications on when the next course will become available.