Why Coach with CPRC?
Coaching with Couch Potato Run Club is about far more than leading run sessions. It’s about helping people who never thought they could run take their first steps with confidence, dignity, and support. Our coaches play a central role in creating the environment that makes our clubs different - one that prioritises people over pace and progress over performance.
As a coach, you’ll work with complete beginners and returners, supporting them through the physical and mental challenges of starting something new. You’ll be part of moments that matter: first continuous runs, breakthroughs in confidence, and the shift from “I can’t” to “I did.” The impact you make extends well beyond the session itself, helping participants build habits and self-belief that last long after the programme ends.
We provide a clear, structured framework so you can focus on coaching, not reinventing programmes. You’ll be trained in our beginner-first methodology, supported with proven session plans, and guided by a values-led approach that ensures consistency across all our locations. You’re never left to figure things out alone - you’re part of a wider coaching community that shares knowledge, support, and accountability.
Coaching with Couch Potato Run Club also means aligning with a brand that stands for inclusivity, integrity, and growth. We actively protect our culture by choosing coaches who care deeply about people, show up consistently, and lead with empathy. In return, we offer a supportive environment where coaches can develop personally and professionally while contributing to something meaningful.
If you’re passionate about helping beginners feel welcome in running spaces, value community over competition, and want to be part of a growing global movement, coaching with Couch Potato Run Club offers the opportunity to make real, lasting impact - one run-walk at a time.
What we're Looking for
We’re looking for coaches who care deeply about people and believe that running should be accessible, supportive, and inclusive. Experience and qualifications matter, but who you are and how you show up matters more.
The following traits are essential to coaching with Couch Potato Run Club:
Empathy & Patience
You understand that starting running can feel vulnerable. You’re patient with different abilities, supportive through self-doubt, and able to meet people where they are without judgement or pressure.
Beginner-First Mindset
You genuinely enjoy working with beginners and returners. You value confidence and consistency over speed, and you’re comfortable encouraging walk breaks, slower pacing, and individual progress.
Strong Communication Skills
You can explain sessions clearly, offer reassurance when things feel hard, and communicate in a way that builds trust. You’re approachable, encouraging, and able to create a calm, welcoming environment.
Reliability & Consistency
You show up prepared, on time, and committed. Our members rely on routine and structure, and we value coaches who understand that consistency builds confidence and trust.
Values-Led Leadership
You lead with integrity, inclusivity, and respect. You uphold our values in how you coach, communicate, and engage with the community - both during sessions and beyond them.
Willingness to Learn & Grow
You’re open to feedback, committed to learning, and motivated to grow personally and professionally. You’re willing to follow a structured framework while continuously improving your coaching approach.
What the Role Involves
As a Couch Potato Run Club coach, your role is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where beginners feel confident taking their first steps into running. You’ll be responsible for delivering structured group sessions while fostering a sense of community, encouragement, and belonging.
Your role includes:
Leading coached group sessions using our beginner-first programme framework, with a focus on safety, clarity, and progression.
Supporting participants at different ability levels, adapting pacing, encouragement, and guidance to meet individual needs within a group setting.
Creating a positive session experience, where walk breaks are normalised, comparison is discouraged, and everyone feels welcome.
Communicating clearly and consistently with participants regarding session structure, expectations, and progress.
Encouraging accountability and consistency, helping members build sustainable habits through routine and supportive check-ins.
Upholding our values and standards in all interactions, ensuring every session reflects the culture and quality of our global community.
Collaborating with our leadership and fellow coaches to maintain programme quality, share feedback, and support ongoing improvement.
This role is about far more than running technique or pace. It’s about leadership, empathy, and creating an environment where people feel safe to try, fail, and succeed - together.
Coaching Experience & Qualifications
Coaching with Couch Potato Run Club isn’t about being the fastest or the most experienced runner in the room. We work with coaches from a range of backgrounds and focus on values, mindset, and the ability to support beginners in a safe and inclusive way. While certain experience or qualifications can be helpful, what matters most is a willingness to learn, follow a structured framework, and show up consistently for the people you’re coaching.
Helpful (but not always required)
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Previous coaching experience (running, fitness, group training, or community programmes)
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Experience working with beginners or returners
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Group facilitation or leadership experience
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Basic understanding of running fundamentals and injury awareness
Essential
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Strong alignment with our values and beginner-first approach
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Confidence leading and supporting group sessions
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Clear, encouraging communication skills
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Willingness to follow a structured coaching framework
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Openness to learning, feedback, and ongoing development
Country-Specific Requirements
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Ability to meet local safeguarding, insurance, and compliance requirements
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Availability to complete any required onboarding or training relevant to South Africa or the United Kingdom
Pace, personal performance, or racing background are not selection criteria. We care more about how you support people than how fast you run.
Minimum Commitment
To ensure consistency, trust, and a positive experience for our members, Couch Potato Run Club coaches are expected to commit to a full programme cycle. This allows participants to build relationships, develop confidence, and progress within a stable and supportive environment.
At a minimum, coaches should be able to commit to
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One full programme cycle (typically 8–10 weeks)
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Consistent weekly availability for scheduled sessions
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Reliable communication with our leadership team and participants
This commitment helps protect the quality of the Couch Potato Run Club experience and ensures every participant receives the support they need from start to finish.
What Makes CPRC Coaching Different?
Coaching with Couch Potato Run Club is about creating positive, inclusive experiences for beginners - not chasing performance outcomes. Our coaches play a key role in shaping environments where people feel safe to start, supported as they progress, and confident to keep going.
This approach is grounded in three core principles that guide how we coach across all CPRC locations.
Beginner-First Coaching
Every session is designed with beginners in mind. Coaches focus on confidence, clarity, and adaptability rather than speed or technical perfection. Walk breaks are encouraged, progress is individual, and participants are supported at their own pace within a group setting.
People Before Performance
Success isn’t defined by pace, distance, or times. CPRC coaches prioritise encouragement, emotional safety, and consistency - recognising that showing up is often the biggest win. This mindset builds trust, long-term engagement, and meaningful progress.
Values-Led Consistency
CPRC coaches follow a shared framework and uphold clear values, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across all locations. Coaches are supported with structure, guidance, and community, allowing them to focus on delivering sessions that reflect the culture and standards of CPRC.
Our Application Process
Submit Your Application
01
Complete the online application form, sharing your background, experience, and why you’re interested in coaching with Couch Potato Run Club.
Initial Review
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Our team reviews your application to assess alignment with the Couch Potato Run Club values, beginner-first mindset, and availability.
Introductory Conversation
03
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a conversation with a member of the Couch Potato Run Club team to discuss expectations, answer questions, and ensure mutual alignment.
Training, Onboarding & Placement
04
Successful applicants complete CPRC coach training and onboarding before being placed into a local programme and supported as they begin coaching.