RDU ACADEMY

LEARN.  EXPLORE.  GROW.  ENRICH.  ACHIEVE.  SHARE.

ANNOUNCEMENT 

This program is custom-built for young adults passionate about immersing themselves in the world of road races. Explore various race experiences and ensure you earn credits by participating in half marathons and marathons.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Whether you’re a full-time student, athlete, or working professional, this flexible program allows you to discover the diverse roles of road race professionals.

As an RDU ACADEMY candidate, you’ll have exclusive access to a cutting-edge learning platforms and hands-on experience at premier road races, duathlons, and triathlons nationwide.

The RDU Academy is a 30-hour program that includes an additional 10 hours of video review. You will also be require to take an oral exam and take an written essay. 

RDU Academy participants are required to assist with regional events within 90 days of completion. They must also be assigned projects that reflect the program structure. We will help them get placed with event producers. 

Mentors are considered Race Directors, Charity Partners, Event Production Agencies, and Sponsors who will provide invaluable guidance. 

 We are also currently re-developing the RDU Academy to include international students, agencies, and events. This opens up a world of opportunities for you to learn and grow in a global context. 

RDU ACADEMY + HANDS ON EXPERIENCE WITH ESTABLISHED ROAD RACES IS THE KEY FOR SUCCESS

RDU ACADEMY PROGRAM STRUCTURE

BUSINESS ETHICS

COMMUNICATION ISSUES

FIRST AID, CPR & AED

LEADERSHIP*

LEGAL LIABILITY

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES

RACE DIRECTOR MANAGEMENT

RISK MANAGEMENT

SPONSORSHIP

SPORTS MARKETING SPORTS SCIENCE & MEDICINE

SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS

PRESENTATION ON MINDFUL COMMUNICATION & SENSITIVITY TRAINING

HOW DOES RDU ACADEMY BENEFIT YOUNG ADULTS?

Young adults can be molded and shaped to become successful leaders in the race management industry.

Our program at Race Director University prepares individuals to excel in managing races, enhancing participant experience, building trust with stakeholders, and delivering outstanding events.

With a focus on complex race logistics and risk mitigation, our graduate program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry while earning a living wage.

IS RDU ACADEMY SIMILAR TO AN ACADEMIC DEGREE?

A four-year college degree satisfies a course of study of at least 30-36 credit hours or 10 – 12 courses. While most courses are three credit hours, some are four, depending on the level or series of courses enrolled, usually 400 and up. A student will need 120 – 140 credits to graduate from an accredited college or university, which can take four years.

We firmly believe that trade apprenticeship programs, such as carpentry, electrician, plumbing, masonry, etc., offer a unique learning experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. These programs, with their intensive learning and progressive levels, are specifically designed to meet the diverse requirements and licensing standards of the industry.

The RDU Academy brings with it a general course of study that includes and not limited to Leadership, Awards, Public Health, Business, Marketing, Sponsorship, Public Health,

Race Management Tools, Public Relations, Social Media, Legal Issues, Ethics, Race Timing,

Registration Software, Volunteer Management, Recruitment, Logistics and Operations*, Hospitality, Risk Management, Sports Safety and Security, Sports Science, Supervision, Nutrition, Communication, Finance, Insurance, and Managing Employees, to name a few.

*Operations and Logistics course of study is a method used by race management organizers that involves detailed planning and usually requires some outsourcing. Port-a-potty placement at the start, finish, and on the course, fencing, course marking, establishing communication and working with the public work department, police and fire department, health department, zoning, road closures, course security, water, rehydration, food and other beverage, and first aid stations, setting up structures at the event like signage, course measurement, sanctioning, and establishing a general pattern of safety protocol for participants and spectators. All these things are applied to create a safe event; other challenges can cause significant issues before, during, and after a race.

Elevate your skills and expertise with RDU Academy, the leading national certification program for future race directors.

Embark on a journey of learning, growth, and hands-on experience in the exciting world of road races. Unleash your potential, gain exclusive access to top-notch training platforms, and become part of a community dedicated to excellence in race management.

Take the first step towards a successful career in the race industry today!

National Certification courses - In person and online

HOW RDU DIFFERS FROM RUSA, RRM & RRCA.

There are various assessments for learning at workshops, seminars, and conference-themed programs.

Participants play a crucial role in the learning process by contributing questions and insights that can lead to deeper discussions, enhancing the overall learning experience.

While classroom-focused and lecture-style presentations aim to distribute information and achieve specific instructional goals, workshops, seminars, and conference-themed programs encourage collective learning and interaction, catering to different learning styles.

Road Race Management, Running USA, and the Road Runners Club of America offer different formats for sharing information within the running industry.

Race Director University (RDU) is specifically designed for individuals with less than five years of road race industry experience, promoting critical thinking, skill development, and practical learning through written exams, essays, and a practicum at local and regional events.

In 2012, as we step into the future of race management, RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY introduced The First National Race Director Certification Program, a groundbreaking initiative.

This exclusive program offered participants a comprehensive course book manual and a cutting-edge Apple iPad, setting the benchmark for excellence in race director training.

The program spanned over five enriching days of in-person training, led by a distinguished panel of 14 industry experts, each a formidable force in their respective fields.

All meals, snacks, and refreshments were provided. Everyone passed, and they had to complete a take-home essay exam.

THE UN-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RDU page requires a passcode for viewing. Request the code in the RDUTALKS message section, located below on this page, and you will receive the code by email.

FIRST GROUP TO BECOME CERTIFIED RACE DIRECTORS IN THE UNITED STATES, GLEN ELLYN, IL. (2012)

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