Race Director Course comes to Guernsey

England Athletics recently took its Race Director Course to Guernsey, giving local organisers the opportunity to access specialist training and support close to home.

Delivered on 11 July, the course brought together both experienced and aspiring Race Directors to learn more about the key requirements involved in organising safe, successful and licensed road running and multi-terrain events through RunEvents. The course covers a wide range of topics, including event planning, legislation, licensing standards, rules of competition, risk management, medical standards and practical advice for delivering great events.

While England Athletics offers a programme of Race Director Courses across the country, additional courses can also be delivered in specific locations where there is local demand, helping ensure that organisers have access to support wherever they are based

A warm welcome in Guernsey

Guernsey is home to a number of popular RunEvents licensed races, and the course provided an opportunity for organisers to build their knowledge, share experiences and strengthen connections with England Athletics and the wider event organiser community.

The visit was warmly received by those who attended with participants highlighting the value of having the course delivered locally.

“We’re very grateful you made the effort to come and see us in Guernsey, and I know everyone took a lot from the course. I’m pleased you got to see Guernsey at its best!”

“Your time and knowledge was very much appreciated by the group I hope you enjoyed your weekend visit. Many thanks for delivering such an interesting course”

The course tutor, Paul Wood, said:

“It was a great pleasure to be invited to Guernsey AC to deliver a race directors course. I have delivered these courses all over England and it was great to see the camaraderie and leadership from all those attending and their willingness to learn.

The group were so interested in the course; you can learn from books, but practical examples really help to bring the message across and help you understand the relevance of what you are being taught. I was also made to feel most welcome.”

Supporting local event organisers

Barry Hopkins, Head of RunEvents and Licensing said:

“We were delighted to be able to hold an in-person Race Director Course on Guernsey. It is really important to us at England Athletics that we reach out and support all our Race Directors and licensed events through RunEvents.

We always aim to work closely and in a supportive way with all event organisers on road and multi-terrain events, and this a great demonstration of the value of what we do.

There are some brilliant events licensed by RunEvents on Guernsey and making sure the Race Directors have access to resources, this course and know we are there for them is so important in the make-up of our Sport and network”.

The course forms part of England Athletics’ ongoing commitment to supporting race organisers through RunEvents, helping them deliver high-quality licensed events that are safe, enjoyable and professionally managed.

As this latest visit demonstrated, that support extends beyond the mainland, ensuring organisers in island communities can access the same opportunities for learning, development and collaboration as their counterparts across England.

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