Coaching qualification

Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF)

Develop the skills to coach runners aged 12+ across road, trail, cross country and other off-track environments, helping them to improve fitness and achieve their goals.

Coach leading a session
Prerequisites
Min age 18
Course duration
32 hours over 12 weeks
Delivery format
In person or online

Become a qualified Coach in Running Fitness

Develop the skills to coach runners aged 12+ across road, trail, cross country and other off-track environments, helping them to improve fitness and achieve their goals.

Best for you if…

  • You hold a Leadership in Running Fitness, Coaching Assistant, Sessional Coach, or Level 1 qualification
  • You’d like to coach independently and help runners improve their fitness, technique and performance
  • You’re ready to build further on your coaching experience.

Format

  • 2-day practical course
  • 1-day virtual classroom
  • Online knowledge test
  • 1 in-person assessment day

Time commitment

32 hours over 12 weeks

How it works

The Coach in Running Fitness qualification combines face-to-face learning, online training and practical assessment over four course days.

You’ll complete some pre-course tasks before attending the first two training days, followed by an online classroom session, safeguarding training and an online knowledge test.

Before your final assessment day, you’ll prepare a coaching session plan and mesocycle, then demonstrate your learning through practical coaching and technical assessment.

What you'll learn

  • Athlete-centred coaching and the role of a Coach in Running Fitness
  • Planning sessions and supporting long-term athlete development
  • Warm-ups, cool downs and physical preparation
  • Running technique for endurance, speed, hills and obstacles
  • Observation, analysis, feedback and questioning techniques
  • Strength, movement and athletic development
  • Testing, monitoring and adapting training to support progress

Your qualification journey

Your learning journey

5 modules

  1. Two Practical Days

    Delivered over a weekend

  2. Safeguarding Webinar

    1 hour webinar

  3. Virtual Classroom

    2 hour webinar

  4. Knowledge Test

    The Technical Knowledge Test is one part of the assessment criteria required to be successfully completed towards achieving the Coach in Running Fitness Qualification.

    The purpose of this assessment is to establish the current level of technical knowledge you have and that you should be able to apply when helping FOUNDATION stage off-track athletes. A Coach in Running Fitness will be competent to take an athlete through the Foundation stage of development and beyond, helping them to learn fundamental movement skills and the foundations of running.

  5. Practical Assessment

Licensing & compliance

6 requirements

  • Safeguarding Online Modules

  • First Aid

  • DBS

  • Coach Licensing Terms and Conditions

  • Coaches Code of Conduct

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