Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF)

The Leader in Running Fitness Award (LiRF) is designed to prepare candidates as leaders. The award is aimed at those who are looking to operate in an off-track environment.  There is a series of Online Course modules (self-led) followed by attendance at a practical session.

Leaders who opt for this pathway will be responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable running experience for runners over 18 years of any ability, level, or size. The course focuses on overcoming the barriers to participation in running and how to increase participation by those who would not traditionally be attracted to a running club.

On successful completion of the course, you will be licensed and insured to lead groups of adults in running activities.

To provide safe and enjoyable running experiences for runners over 18 years of age and of any ability.

Note – In Scotland, as Leaders are not licensed to work with children (U18s) or protected adults they will not do a PVG but instead be asked to complete a Self Declaration and be issued with an over 18 licence card.

To be eligible for this course you must be 18 years or over. This award is a great entry point for those who wish to progress along the Coaching Pathway or those who just want to assist off-track runners.

This award has been designed for those who primarily work with adults/young people over the age of 18 who enjoy recreational running for fitness and health. Potential candidates may work within a Running Club or a Community-based running group. It is important to note this is not a course about individual running events, nor is it a coaching course.

Candidates must engage in tasks and activities throughout the course and demonstrate improvement following any discussions with course staff. Candidates not engaging within all aspects of the course are at risk of not gaining the qualification at the end of the process

In order for a licence to be processed and issued, you will be required to do the following:

• Complete all components of the course including the online course work, practical session and Mandatory Training (Tier 1).
• Complete a Self Declaration (renewed every 3 years)
• Upload an up to date passport style photograph
• Read and agree to the Scottish Athletics Coach Licence Terms and Conditions (incl. the code of conduct)

Note – In Scotland, as Leaders are not licensed to work with children (U18s) or protected adults they will not do a PVG but instead be asked to complete a Self Declaration and be issued with an over 18 licence card.

Below is a summary of the topics covered on the Leader in Running Fitness programme.

• The role and responsibilities of a Leader.
• Leadership skills: Safety, Organisation, Instruction and Explanation, Demonstration.
• The barriers that stop people from taking up running, and how a leader can make a difference for them.
• How to plan sessions and deliver a safe and fun warm up and a cool down.
• Demonstration and supervision of effective stretching.
• The different types of activity that can make running varied and enjoyable.
• Helping runners to set and achieve SMARTER goals.
• Understand what is meant by an Athlete Centred Approach.
• Carrying out Risk Assessments.
• Factors influencing performance.
• Energy systems

Upcoming Leadership in Running Fitness courses are listed on our Coaching Qualifications page.

Bookings are now made on our online booking system – Athletics Hub

If you have any questions about the Leadership in Running Fitness course and bookings, please email coaching@scottishathletics.org.uk.

jogscotland is the recreational running arm of scottishathletics. Our fun, friendly jogging groups have something to offer everyone, from complete beginners to experienced runners.

Our Jog Leaders are the lifeblood of jogscotland. Our army of fully-trained, enthusiastic and patient Jog Leaders have inspired thousands of people across the country to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle through running.

You don’t have to be a fast runner to be a Jog Leader – in fact some of our best Jog Leaders are very new to jogging themselves and remember just how it feels to start for the first time. The most important thing is that you have lots of enthusiasm for inspiring others to get active and stay active.

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