USATF Marathon Specialist Course

Learn about the history, training science, critical workouts and strength programming, nutrition, environmental factors, race day and mental preparation strategies to develop a comprehensive training plan specific to athletes’ abilities and their marathon performance goals. Participants will also learn philosophy and tips from Olympic, World Championships, and World Marathon Majors athletes and coaches during a panel discussion as part of the new 12-hour specialist course.

Participants will be tested on the material following the course and must achieve a passing score to attain their USATF Marathon Specialist certificate.

Units

• Introduction and History of the Marathon
• Science of Training Marathon Runners
• Training Theory and Principles
• Application of Training Marathon Runners
• Strength and Ancillary Training
• Mental Preparedness for the Marathon
• Nutrition and Hydration Issues
• Peaking Strategy in the Marathon
• Heat and Altitude Issues
• Race Specific Preparation
• Elite Coach and Athlete Panel

Requirements

To register for the USATF Marathon Specialist Course, you must:

• Be a current USATF member and at least 18 years of age

Prior coaching education or exercise science background is helpful but not required to register.
 

Benefits

• Recognition as a USATF Marathon Specialist Coach
• Comprehensive digital course materials covering sports science, microcycles, and more
• Skills and knowledge to coach first time marathoners through elite level athletes
• Interaction with USATF Coach Educators and top minds in the endurance community
• Eligible Level 1 Recertification continuing education course for current USATF Level 1 Coaches

Recertification

No recertification requirements are currently in effect for USATF Specialist certificate holders (subject to change).