Race Director University Relaunches in 2026 with Online Certification Platform and New Mobile App

January 6, 2026

DeKalb, Ill. (January 6, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Race Director University (RDU), the first national certification program for race directors in the United States, has announced its 2026 relaunch featuring an entirely online certification platform, interactive learning tools, and a new mobile app that allows race directors to complete their training anywhere, anytime.

The 2026 platform delivers certification training through interactive online modules, downloadable PDF resources, and the all-new RDU App—a first for the race management industry. The mobile app enables race directors to access coursework, study materials, and professional tools directly from their smartphones and tablets, making certification accessible for busy event professionals managing races across the country.

Founded in 2012, RDU established the original framework for professional race director education. The 2026 relaunch represents a significant expansion, growing from three certification levels to eleven distinct programs covering road races, cross country, duathlons, and a first-of-its-kind youth academy for aspiring race directors ages 15-18.

New professional tools accompany the certification expansion. The RDU Legal Playbook provides race directors with comprehensive risk management guidance, including legal case studies and liability frameworks specific to endurance events. The RDU Sponsorship Toolkit Package offers templates, valuation tools, and partnership strategies to help race directors secure and retain sponsors.

“Race directors are on-site at events, traveling to course inspections, and meeting with sponsors—they don’t have time to sit in a classroom,” said Gregory J. Evans, founder and CEO of Race Director University. “The RDU App changes everything. Now certification training happens on their schedule, on their device, wherever they are.”

Evans, who served as Chairman of Long Distance Running for USATF Illinois Association from 1989-2022 and created the first Race Director Conference in the United States, brings more than 35 years of hands-on event management experience to the certification curriculum.

The 2026 program lineup includes five progressive certification levels (Foundation through Master), specialized tracks for cross country and multi-sport events, an associate certification for industry professionals, and RDU Academy—a scholarship-funded program targeting 100 young people entering the field.

Registration for all certification programs is now open at racedirectoruniversity.com.

ABOUT RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY Race Director University is the first national certification program for race directors in the United States, established in 2012. RDU provides online professional education, certification, and resources for endurance event professionals through its interactive platform and mobile app. Learn more at racedirectoruniversity.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gregory J. Evans Founder & CEO, Race Director University greg@racedirectoruniversity.com (630) 327-1619