Run Leader frequently asked questions

Absolutely. RunTogether groups have been created to encourage more people to run with others, particularly beginner runners who (we know from our research) often don’t see themselves as ‘good enough’ at running to join a club.

Typically, running groups are a great way to start running with others if you don’t feel like a running club is for you at the moment. Groups generally operate less formally than running clubs. They often run a range of different pace sessions, which may start with a walk-run session, with the aim of building up to run for longer. However, some groups will offer faster paced / longer sessions, often as their runners gain experience and fitness.

Most RunTogether Groups do not charge an annual membership, although there may be a small charge per session, depending on the leader and facilities used by the group.

Many running clubs set up ‘Get Me Started’ RunTogether Groups as a friendly, accessible way to invite new runners to try running with them.

England Athletics encourage all running clubs to use the tools provided by RunTogether to set up groups to provide an accessible route for new runners interested in starting to run. If your club is interested in setting up a RunTogether Group, click below for instructions on how to do so.

Set up a RunTogether group today.

Why is the course needed?

The Safeguarding training will help ensure all children, young people, and adults at risk within the sport are protected, as well as giving coaches increased skills to ensure that they have good practice in place and deal with safeguarding situations that do arise. It has been devised specifically for runners and athletics using UKA’s existing welfare policies and procedures, so all examples are relevant to the sport.

How is it done? What is involved – pre, during, post?

The online nature of the training allows coaches to complete it in their own time and choice of location. The course comes in two online modules, each of which is followed by a 10-question multiple choice assessment. Each assessment has questions related to subjects that have been fully covered in the training that has been provided. There is a 70% pass mark for each section and people are able to retake the assessment, with candidates able to retake a stage if necessary.

The safeguarding course also comes with supporting downloadable resources, and all the content is specific to people coaching in athletics and running. As well as supporting the online training, the downloadable resources can be referred to by leaders or coaches whenever needed in the future.

How to book? Cost & how to pay?

The cost of the course is £10. To book and complete the safeguarding module, you will need to login to AthleticsHub using your username (your URN) and your password.

• Go to ‘Qualifications and CPD’ down the left-hand side
• Use the drop-down menu to find ‘Safeguarding’ and book onto the course
• Once you are booked on, you can go to ‘Online Courses’ and ‘Go To MyLearning’ down the left-hand side of the page. This will open a new webpage (Moodle) where you will be able to complete your safeguarding module.

Run Leader Mentors are here to support you on your journey as a Run Leader. They are highly experienced in leading their own successful groups and offer their time to help other Run Leaders thrive.

Whether you need help with session planning, recruiting runners, using the RunTogether platform, or simply want to build your confidence, a Run Leader Mentor can offer the support you need.

All Run Leader Mentors are DBS-checked, registered with RunTogether, and trained by England Athletics to ensure you receive trusted support.

Complete our short form to be put in touch with a Run Leader Mentor near you.

Canicross isn’t unfortunately recognised by UK Athletics and therefore, the UKA public liability policy which covers all qualified run leaders and coaches does not apply to Canicross activities. Runners should also not be accompanied by a dog when taking part in runs.

Should a visually impaired runner approach you about running with their guide dog, please note this is allowed. You can also direct the runner to our Find a Guide service and introduce them to a local guide runner.

How do I download the Run Leader App?

The Run Leader app is completely free and is available to any Run Leader connected to a RunTogether Group.

For iPhone users (version 5 and above), the app is available to download via the Apple Store.

For Android users, the app is available to download via the Play Store.

What do I do if I can’t log in or use the Run Leader app?

If you are having any issues with logging in to the Run Leader app, please make sure that you have been added as a Run Leader to your RunTogether group. Your Group Leader will need to add you as a Run Leader with admin permissions and you need to accept the invite before you can start using the Run Leader app.

I am experiencing issues with the Run Leader app. What do I do?

We are really sorry for any issues you might be experiencing with the App.

• In the first instance, please log out and log back in to the App.
• Go to ‘Settings’ and click the ‘Reset data and sync’ button.
• Once that’s done, go back to ‘My Schedule’ where you can refresh the App.

Still having problems? Please email contact us

Whilst many Run Leaders offer free sessions to runners, some Run Leaders charge a small fee to cover the costs of running the group.

• If you wish to charge cash payments: when creating a run, tick the ‘allow cash payments’ box and set a cost for the run.
• If you wish to charge online payments: go to the admin area of your account and the ‘runs’ section. There you will find an option to ‘set up your Stripe’ account, which will link to your RunTogether page. When creating a run, tick the ‘allow card payments’ option. Stripe will deduct 25p per transaction + 2.8% for UK cards and 4.3% for international cards or American Express.

Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF)

England Athletics provides qualified Run Leaders with insurance cover that includes being able to cater for runners aged 12 years old and above.

Any Run Leader holding a Leadership in Running Fitness qualification will not be insured for runners under 12 years of age.

Children under 12 should not participate in RunTogether Group runs, as sessions are not suitable for them. If asked, a RunTogether Group Leader should signpost the parent/guardian to the funetics programme which provides a comprehensive pathway for young athletes to develop fundamental movement skills.

Level 2 Coach / Athletics Coach

Coaches holding a Level 2 Athletics qualification or above, or an Athletics Coach qualification, are covered to lead sessions for children aged 8 and above. However, if a Coach is operating a RunTogether Group, we still advise that they only accept children aged 12 years and above.

There are a number of reasons why we advocate RunTogether Groups only cater for those aged 12 years and above; this relates to the athlete development philosophy that England Athletics and UK Athletics endorse.

RunTogether is an England Athletics initiative; our funding sources guide our work to be focused on delivering programmes in England only, however the other home nations have local programmes to support their communities:

• Jog Scotland
• Run Wales
• Northern Ireland Athletics Pathways

Each month we send out an e-newsletter to all our registered Run Leaders, this should come straight to your mailbox. Not receiving them? Not to worry, simply email support@runtogether.co.uk and we will add you to the mailing list.

RunTogether t-shirts can be ordered from the Kukri store.

All information on becoming a guide runner can be found on the England Athletics website.

Our dedicated support team is available Monday to Friday to help answer any of your questions. With a 2-day response time, we will aim to resolve any issues and answer any questions as soon as possible to make sure you have a great experience using our platform.

Our privacy notice and cookie policy can be found at the bottom of website (no matter what page you are on.

The RunTogether Run Leader resources page includes key documents and engaging presentations on topics like welcoming beginners, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, social-media tips, and staying motivated during the winter months.