Head Coach, Marathoner in Training (MIT)

Fleet Feet•Orange Township, OH

12d

About The Position

The Head Coach oversees Marathoner in Training (MIT), Fleet Feet Columbus’s year-round endurance training program, which supports more than 700 runners annually preparing for half-marathons and marathons. The role is responsible for program strategy, operations, coaching, volunteer leadership, community building, and partner coordination, delivering a safe, organized, and engaging training experience for runners of all paces and experience levels. MIT operates two training seasons: Winter/Spring, from mid-January through late April, and Summer/Fall, from mid-June through late October. The position averages approximately 10–15 hours per week, with heavier workloads at the start of each season and during peak training weeks, and lighter workloads toward season-end and between cycles. Availability is required for Saturday morning workouts and long runs, Wednesday evening GRIT workouts, and occasional early-morning sessions and special events. Compensation is an annual contract, to be determined based on the candidate. Fleet Feet franchisees are independent business owners; employees hired at a franchise location are employees of that franchisee, not Fleet Feet Corporation. Success means delivering a well-organized, safe, and engaging training program; supporting an effective coaching team; maintaining strong participant and partner relationships; and helping runners feel prepared, encouraged, and connected from their first workout through race day.

Requirements

Experience coaching runners or leading group runs, ideally including half-marathon or marathon training.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to motivate and connect with a diverse running community.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including scheduling, calendar management, and coordinating multiple priorities.
Experience leading teams, volunteers, or community-based programs.
An inclusive, collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for helping runners of all abilities succeed.
Professional relationship-building skills and sound judgment regarding participant safety.
Availability for Saturday mornings, Wednesday evening workouts, and key training activities throughout the year.

Responsibilities

Plan and oversee seasonal training programs, including calendars, training schedules, long-run progressions, workout locations, special events, and race-day logistics.
Maintain program policies, resources, and workflows, and identify opportunities to improve operations, engagement, and program growth.
Coordinate volunteer coach assignments, coverage, expectations, and resources to support consistent program delivery.
Lead weekly group runs, including Wednesday evening GRIT workouts and Saturday morning long runs.
Oversee half-marathon and marathon training plans, advising on pacing, effort, mileage progression, recovery, fueling, hydration, and race preparation.
Serve as a primary contact for participant questions and training challenges throughout the training journey.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive community that celebrates progress, encourages camaraderie, and supports runners of all abilities.
Write the Tuesday participant newsletter with training schedules, updates, and educational communications.
Communicate schedules, weather-related changes, training expectations, and program milestones clearly and consistently.
Coordinate educational clinics and resources that support runner development and the training experience.
Coordinate with OhioHealth regarding athletic training services at Saturday workouts, including coverage, logistics, and participant communications.
Partner with Fit For Life Physical Therapy to coordinate weekly educational articles, share resources, and connect participants with physical therapy support.
Establish and communicate safety protocols for group runs, long-distance training, and adverse weather; refer injury concerns and medical questions to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Collaborate with Fleet Feet Columbus leadership, race organizers, sponsors, and community partners to support training initiatives and race participation.
Coordinate participant gatherings, program celebrations, and other community experiences that strengthen engagement and connection.