ABOUT RUN LEADERS

Run Leaders are the focal point of any Running Group. They are the leaders, the motivators and the people that want to make a difference. If this is you then we want to support you.

Run Leaders will have full access to Run NI Leaders’ Tool Kit including risk assessment templates, PARQ and accident report forms. Run NI Leaders can also access training plans written by British Athletics qualified coaches, best practice guidance for the various sections of your training sessions, including warm ups and cool downs, and much more.

It is important that the Run Leader is suitably qualified. If you have not yet completed your Leadership in Running Fitness qualification, please scroll down to find more information on How to Become a Run Leader. 

There is an annual registration fee of £50 to register your Running Group with Run NI and start to benefit from expert guidance, support and a wide array of coaching resources and tips.

As a result of the increase in recreational running as well as participation running initiatives such as ‘Couch 2 5K’ programmes being delivered by clubs, community groups and external agencies across the UK there is a need for a clear set of guidelines regarding coach/leader requirements to deliver such programmes. For more details on the requirements needed by Run Leaders please click here.

HOW TO BECOME A RUN LEADER

To become a Run Leader you need to attend our fun and inspiring one-day training course - Leadership in Running Fitness (LIRF). The Leadership in Running Fitness Award will prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for participants over the age of 12. This course covers everything you need to know and equips you with the skills and confidence to lead and develop your group. You will be qualified and insured to lead a running group or even start your own group.

Who should go on the course?

To be eligible for this course you must be 18 years or over. This award is a great entry point for those who enjoy running for recreation and want to assist people who want to use running to get fit.

This award has been designed for those who primarily work with adults/young people over the age of 12 who enjoy recreational running for fitness and health.

You don’t need to be super-fit to become a Run Leader – some of the best leaders are people who were recently beginners themselves and so have real empathy with others who are just starting to get active. The best qualities you can possess are to be enthusiastic, approachable and encouraging to others. Potential candidates may choose to set up a Running Group that has formed as part of a community based running program such as Couch to 5K or it could just be a group of friends who meet on a regular basis to go for a run. It’s important to note this is not a course about individual running events, nor is it a coaching course.

The full day course  includes both classroom and practical sessions. Once you have passed the course:

  • You will be able to set up your own running group using the Run NI name.

  • Your group will be advertised on our Find a Group section.

  • Sessions will be covered by our insurance.

  • You can contact a member of our Run NI team at any time for help and advice.

  • You will receive access to useful online resources.

You will also need to follow the steps below to complete your qualification and get your coaching licence.

Use the menu option (to be inserted) to find out more about the course and when and where the next course is in your area. Alternatively if you have any queries about courses please contact allister.woods@athleticsni.org.

Once you have qualified and gained experience leading your group, you may want to progress further and take the Coach in Running Fitness qualification (CIRF). This course  provides you with knowledge and skill to assess your runners, write your own training plans and be insured to do so. It is a more thorough course of three days, supported practice and an assessment day.

Getting Your Coaching/Leadership Licence

Once you have completed your Leader in Running Fitness (LIRF) course, there are 3 steps to receiving your coaching license:

  1. Complete an Enhanced Access NI check

  2. Complete and return the ID Validation form to Athletics NI

  3. Complete the online Safeguarding Children & Young People course via EduCare

Full details on how to complete your Access NI, ID Validation form and the online Safeguarding course are available on the Athletics NI website here

If you have any queries about how to complete any of the above steps, please contact the Athletics NI office: info@athleticsni.org, or allister.woods@athleticsni.org