Marathon Sign Ideas
Fall’s here and if you’re even remotely looped into the running community, you know it’s prime marathon season. From Chicago to New York, Twin Cities to Marine Corps, CIM to St. George, you’d be hard-pressed to find a long distance runner who isn’t participating in one of these iconic races.
As a seasoned runner with 6 marathons and 10+ half marathons under my belt, I know firsthand the difference supportive and energetic spectators can make. A well-crafted sign, high-five or “woohoo!” can provide a much-needed boost of energy, a laugh, or a reminder of why you love running in the first place. And as a spectator, there are few things more inspiring than watching folks from every walk of life coming together to challenge themselves and push past their limiting beliefs to accomplish something only .01% of the world’s population completes every year.
Whether you’re cheering on a friend, family member, or complete stranger, here are some creative sign ideas to help you make a lasting impression.
Note: This blog may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them – at no extra cost to you.
Funny Marathon Signs
Silly signs are as synonymous with marathons as pasta dinners and losing toe nails. The good news is that you don’t have to be a world-renowned comedian to write a good race sign. With 26.2 miles of road ahead of them, anything that can bring a smile to their face is appreciated. Get some inspiration for some tried and true funny marathon signs below.
- “I’m only here because I’m too lazy to run myself.”
- “You’re halfway there… and I’m halfway drunk.”
- “You think you’re tired? It’s exhausting
- “Worst parade ever!”
- “Run like you forgot to turn off the oven!”
- “You’re running better than the government!”
- “Smile if you peed a little!”
- “You thought they said ‘rum,’ didn’t you?”
- “This is a lot of work for a free banana!”
- “Run faster, I just farted!”
- “If Trump can run, so can you!”
- “Pain now, pizza later!”
- “You’re almost there… (that’s what she said)”
- “Chuck Norris never ran a marathon!”
- “Remember, you paid to do this!”
- “May the course be with you!”
- “Run like someone called you a jogger!”
- “Toenails are for sissies!”
- “Worst Netflix marathon ever!”
- “Run like you’re chasing Post Malone!”
- “Blisters are temporary, internet race photos are forever!”
All that cheering may get to be a little too much on your vocal chords. After all, you’ll want to save your voice to let your runner know how proud of them you are once they’ve reached the finish line. Grab a pack of cowbells to bring the energy and enthusiasm
Clever Marathon Signs
With 26.2 miles of road ahead of them, runners have plenty of time with their thoughts. Give them something to do with a clever, kitschy marathon sign.
- “Run like there’s no tomorrow… because there might not be.”
- “I’m not rooting for you… I’m rooting against everyone else.”
- “26.2 miles: Because 26.3 would be crazy!”
- “The faster you run, the sooner it’s over!”
- “Marathons: Where ‘just a jog’ means 26.2 miles!”
- “Pain is temporary, pride is forever!”
- “Running is a mental sport… and we’re all insane!”
- “Your legs will forgive you… eventually!”
- “Run like you’re making history!”
- “You’ve got stamina for days!”
- “Your only competition is the person you were yesterday!”
- “You’re beating everyone who didn’t get out of bed today!”
- “Don’t stop now—people are watching!”
- “You’re stronger than your excuses!”
- “Running is 90% mental… and you’re killing it!”
- “Believe in your training, trust the journey!”
- “Running: The original social distancing!”
- “Running a marathon is the ultimate humblebrag!”
- “Marathons: When ‘just keep going’ becomes a lifestyle!”
- “That wall has nothing on you!”
- “This mile is yours to conquer—just like all the others!”
Whether you’re trying to make sure your runner sees you or you just want to bring a smile to the other runners, a silly hat is the answer. And since runners have a close relationship with their bowel movements, you’re guaranteed to light up the course with this poop emoji hat.
Inspirational Marathon Signs
Sometimes a more motivational marathon sign might be in order. These come in especially handy towards the end of the race when your runner is questioning every life choice they’ve made to get here. They need to get out of their body and into their heart. While I always appreciated a clever sign, jokes tend to fall flat when you’re in the pain cave. For those moments, I found inspirational marathon signs more effective. Here are a few to get you started.
- “You are stronger than you think!”
- “The finish line is just the beginning!”
- “Every step is a step closer to your goal!”
- “Believe in yourself—you’ve got this!”
- “Your hard work is paying off!”
- “Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming what you thought you couldn’t.”
- “Run the mile you’re in!”
- “One step at a time, one mile at a time!”
- “Keep going—your future self is cheering for you!”
- “The pain will fade, but the pride will last forever!”
- “Success is not the finish line; it’s the journey!”
- “Mind over miles!”
- “You’ve trained for this—trust yourself!”
- “Courage to start. Strength to endure. Resolve to finish.”
- “You didn’t come this far to only come this far!”
- “Make yourself proud!”
- “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
- “It’s not about how fast you go, but that you keep going!”
- “Turn your can’ts into cans, and your dreams into plans!”
- “Finish strong—you are unstoppable!”
It’s hard to clap with a sign in one hand (or maybe it’s a Bloody Mary, no judgement) so let these clappers bring the noise while you sip sip hooray.
Spiritual Marathon Signs
Finally, if your runner is religious or spiritual, they may need that extra reminder that God, the Universe, whatever higher power they believe in, is with them and supporting them through the hard times.
- “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”
- “Run with heart and soul, and the rest will follow.”
- “Strength is found in the stillness within.”
- “Trust the process; the journey is divine.”
- “When your legs can’t, let your spirit carry you.”
- “In every step, there’s grace.”
- “Run with faith, not by sight.”
- “The Lord is my strength; I shall not falter.”
- “You are never alone on this path.”
- “Find peace in the stride and strength in your faith.”
- “Let perseverance finish its work in you.”
- “Run with purpose, not just speed.”
- “In every challenge, seek the lesson and the light.”
- “When you feel weak, remember who is running beside you.”
- “Run with a heart full of gratitude.”
- “Every step is part of a greater plan.”
- “Your spirit can go the distance your body can’t.”
- “Run as though the universe conspires in your favor.”
- “Divine strength carries you when your own falls short.”
- “Breathe in courage, breathe out doubt.”
If I was at mile 20 and needed an extra kick, I can say with certainty hearing – or getting to hit – this hype button as I ran by would help me pick it back up.
By following these tips and getting creative with your signs, you can help make the marathon experience even more memorable for your favorite runner.
Just a heads-up—this blog may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only recommend products I truly love and think you’ll love too. Your support helps keep this blog going, and I appreciate it more than you know!
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