Transforming your running hobby into a professional career: Guide from Jooble

Photo by Bruno Nascimento from Unsplash

Sports, and in particular running, are professions that are not only healthy pastimes but successful occupations as well. Whether you love marathons, trail running, or plain road running, there are many different professional opportunities to pursue. This guide from Jooble, an international job search aggregator, will assist you in becoming a running professional from a mere running enthusiast.

According to Jooble, there are more than 50,000 open vacancies in sports in the U.S., as of July 2024. Anyone who is interested can find themselves in this dynamic field.

1. Identify your running passion

The beginning of a professional career depends on knowing which aspect of running is most motivating to you. Do you have a burning desire to become a coach, event planner, sports marketer or a professional sportsman or sportswoman? All these paths are totally distinct and call for a different plan and abilities.

2. Become a certified running coach

One of the most straightforward ways of turning your running into a business is by becoming a certified running coach. Your duty as a coach will entail training individuals interested in running with a specific focus on helping them achieve their dreams of running a 5K race or even qualifying for a place in the Boston Marathon. RRCA and USATF present certification programs that cover physiology, training techniques, and precautionary measures against injuries. (Why I decided to become a running coach.)

Why certification matters: Certification not only validates your expertise but also builds trust with potential clients. According to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations, over 70% of clients prefer certified coaches, emphasizing the importance of professional credentials.

3. Leverage digital platforms

The modern world cannot exist without the internet, and therefore, recognizing the importance of the internet presence is crucial. Design a website and use social media to spread awareness, provide online sessions, and broaden your audience. Instagram and YouTube work well for these purposes as it is possible to share training advice, inspiring materials and your own running stories.

Engage with your audience: People prefer to undertake fun activities and interact with personalities they can relate to and trust. Engage with the commentators, generate discussions, and share valuable content with other like-minded opinion leaders in the running niche. HubSpot also pointed out that interaction with people through social media led customers to be satisfied by 20%.

4. Explore event organization

If you are passionate about race day, then it’s time that you get a job in an event organization. This path can help you turn your love for running into glorious experiences out of your abilities in organizational management. It is easier to begin with local requests to conduct 5Ks or charity runs and then advance to bigger events.

Skills required: Event organization can therefore be classified as a project that involves project management and marketing as well as logistics. As stated by Eventbrite, organizers who incorporate data-driven marketing trends reported a boost in attendees by 20%.

Photo by Annie Spratt from Unsplash

5. The role of a recovery coach

In the running world, recovery is not a tradition, but it is as crucial as training. The role of a recovery coach will involve assisting athletes and enhancing how they recover, avoiding injuries besides improving their performance. This entails developing customized rehabilitation strategies, giving advice on diets, and incorporating items such as foam rollers and massage guns.

Qualifications and skills: To become a recovery coach, consider certifications in sports recovery and nutrition. Organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine offer specialized courses in recovery and performance enhancement. Additionally, understanding the latest recovery techniques and tools is crucial for providing effective guidance. If you already have the necessary certifications, check Jooble.org to discover current recovery coach vacancies.

Growing demand for recovery coaches: The demand for recovery coaches is on the rise. According to a report by Global Market Insights, the sports medicine market is expected to reach $9 billion by 2027, highlighting the increasing focus on athlete recovery and wellness.

6. Pursue professional running

The possibility of becoming a professional runner is viable if one has a great talent and passion to do so. That path requires severe preparation, conformity, and occasionally, fortune. Begin with local events and progress toward national and international levels and gradually move up the ladder.

Securing sponsorships: Sponsorship is an essential part of any professional running career. The sports brands are likely to sponsor individuals with a well-established personal brand image and those achieving good race results. Data presented by Statista show that the market size of sports sponsorship globally was $57 billion in 2020 which demonstrates the potential for professional runners. 

7. Network and continue learning

Networking is vital in the running industry. Take part in running expos to get acquainted with new products, become a member of running clubs, and make use of online forums. Continuous learning is also essential; stay updated on the latest trends, training methods, and technological advancements in the running world.

Resources for networking and learning:

● Running expos: Events like the Boston Marathon Expo and the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo are excellent for networking.

● Running clubs: Join local and online running clubs to connect with fellow runners.

● Online courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses in sports management, marketing and coaching.

Converting a running passion hobby to a career is possible, but it entails passion, commitment and business planning. It does not matter whether you decide to become a running coach, a specialist in event organization, a sporting marketer, or a professional runner, the potential is almost limitless. With the help of digital platforms like Jooble, obtaining necessary certifications, and pursuing constant learning, it is possible to build a successful career around the passion for running.