The Top 100 Funny Marathon Race Signs (with Advice for Spectators)

If someone you know is running a marathon and you want to cheer them on, writing a funny marathon sign is the perfect way to keep them motivated. Personalizing your sign for the person you’re cheering on is the best, but we’ve got tons of inspirational ideas to get you started. Keep reading for the best marathon sign ideas and advice on being a good spectator. We also spoke with running coaches and counselors for tips on how to be the most encouraging and supportive for others during a race.

Hilarious Marathon Sign Ideas

Worst. Parade. Ever.
Run like you stole something.
Run like it’s the start of the Hunger Games.
Stay strong today and be sore tomorrow!
Your feet are hurting because you’re kicking so much butt!
Chuck Norris never ran a marathon, but you can!
Finish this marathon so we can start one on Netflix!
Run like your mom just used your middle name!

Section 1 of 7:

Funny Marathon Sign Ideas

Download Article

Make runners smile with these entertaining race signs. A silly saying can brighten a runner’s day and make them laugh when they’re running out of energy. If you want to show off your sense of humor on race day, a light-hearted message is perfect to re-energize a runner’s spirits.
- Run like you stole something!
- Worst. Parade. Ever.
- We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s limited warranty.
- Remember, you paid to do this!
- Run like you stole something.
- Seems like a lot of work for a free banana…
- Hurry! My arms are tired.
- Keep chafing your dreams.
- Slow down, I’m trying to count everyone.
- Why do all the cute ones run away?
- This sounded like a good idea 4 months ago!
- Running is cheaper than therapy.
- Pain is temporary. Race results posted online are forever.
- Should have used the bathroom when you had the chance.
- If you can read this, you’re not running fast enough.
- Pain is just the French word for “bread.”
- Where is everyone going?
- Hurry up, I’m cold!
- You think you’re tired? I was up all night making this sign.
- Toenails are overrated.
- Way to go, random stranger!
- I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 26.2!
- Blisters are Braille for “awesome.”
- Run like it’s the start of the Hunger Games.
- Don’t trust a fart now!
- This is practice for when the zombies come.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Laura Richer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and host of the Holding Ground podcast on empowerment and positive psychology.

Francisco Gomez is a competitive runner and head coach at FIT Potato Gym in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mark Russell is a Marathon Team Leader who has helped total novices train to run their first marathons.

Section 2 of 7:

Motivational Marathon Signs

Download Article

Inspire runners to reach the finish line with words of encouragement. When runners feel like they’re out of energy, a few words of inspiration can help push them to the finish. Shower some positivity their way so anyone who sees your sign gets the boost of motivation they need.
- Your feet are hurting because you’re kicking so much butt!
- I don’t even know you, but I’m so proud of you!
- Stay strong today and be sore tomorrow!
- Break through the wall!
- Success tastes salty, not sweet.
- You run this town, literally!
- Do it for the bragging rights.
- Stronger and stronger with every mile!
- One step closer to the finish line!
- You’ve run hundreds of miles to practice. 26.2 more to go!
- Your best miles lie ahead. Keep going!
- The faster you run, the sooner you can take a nap!
- When your legs get tired, run with your heart!
- PRs aren’t made in your comfort zone!
- You’re so close to accomplishing your dreams!
- Finishing is your ONLY option.
- You’re doing better than everyone who slept in today.
- It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
- You never know your limits until you push past them.
- If marathons were easy, everyone would do it!
- Left foot. Right foot. Repeat. You got this!
- If life is a marathon, you’re crushing it.
- Chuck Norris never ran a marathon, but you can!
- Run like Ryan Gosling is at the finish line.
- You’re beating everyone behind you!

Section 3 of 7:

Cute Marathon Signs

Download Article

Use these sweet signs to cheer on someone special. If your partner is running the race and you want to show how much you care, a cute and flirty sign is the way to go. They’ll feel all the support from you and love knowing that they have their special person cheering them on.
- You don’t sweat, you sparkle!
- On a scale of 1 to 10, you’re a 26.2!
- You are a beauty that runs like a beast.
- Finish this marathon so we can start one on Netflix!
- Run faster if you think I’m cute!
- Smiling makes you go faster!
- Even if you feel like crap, you look great!
- You’re my hero today!
- You impress me with every step!
- No matter where you place, you’re always a champion to me!
- You’ll get the best foot massage tonight.
- You are my favorite runner!
- You (and I) are in it for the long run!
- My partner can go the distance!
- You look hot when you sweat.
- I’d chase after you, if I could keep up.
- Bear hugs waiting for you at the finish!
- I am so proud of you!
- Don’t stop believing because I believe in you!
- I fell for you fast, but you’re running faster.
- You’re running through my mind too!
- You’re doing amazing, sweetie.
- Sweaty but slaying!
- I love you even more than your legs hurt!
- Watching a champion in the making!

Section 4 of 7:

Encouraging Marathon Signs for Family Members

Download Article

Cheer on your relatives with these fun poster ideas. Whether your parents, siblings, or distant relatives are running the marathon, personalize your signs to mention them and how much you support them. Get the whole family together along the course so your loved ones get a huge amount of support when they run past you.
- Moms run the world!
- One hot mother runner.
- Be as strong as your kids think you are!
- My mom runs faster than your mom!
- Hurry up, Mom! We’re hungry for lunch!
- Hey Dad, Mom would be running faster!
- Dad’s still chasing mom after all these years.
- Not bad for a dad bod!
- Wherever he places, my dad is still #1.
- My dad goes the extra mile.
- My parents run so I don’t have to.
- I got out of bed early to cheer on my brother/sister
- Run like mom just used your middle name!
- Speed: it runs in the family!

Section 5 of 7:

Funny Marathon Signs with Pictures

Download Article

A silly picture draws a lot of attention to your sign. If you want your sign to stand out from signs that only have words on them, print out a picture to glue or tape to your sign. That way, you can turn your signs into memes or make visual references for a quick laugh. If you’re artsy, you could even draw your own pictures on the signs.
- Tap her to power up! (with a picture of a mushroom from Super Mario)
- No time for Walken (with a picture of Christopher Walken)
- Run faster right meow! (with a picture of a cute kitten)
- Just keep running (with a picture of Dory from Finding Nemo)
- Run, [name], run! (with a picture of Forrest Gump)
- The end is near (with a picture of the Grim Reaper)
- Could you be running anymore miles?! (with a picture of Chandler Bing from Friends)
- My favorite runner! (with a printout of their face)
- May the course be with you (with a picture of their favorite Star Wars character)
- Remember who you’re doing it for! (with pictures of their pets)
- Gotta go fast!! (with a picture of Sonic the Hedgehog)

Section 6 of 7:

Half Marathon Race Signs

Download Article

Put full effort into your half marathon signs. Even if it’s only half the distance, an encouraging sign can help someone keep going and finish the race. Try any of these fun messages to cheer on the runners and make them feel as accomplished as if they just finished a full marathon!
- 13.1 and done!
- Because you’re only half crazy!
- A half marathon is just a 5k with a 10-mile warmup!
- Hotties run half marathons.
- Half the marathon, all the bragging rights.
- On a scale of 1-10, I think you’re a 13.1!
- It’s still farther than I’ve run today.
- Most people won’t even drive 13.1 miles today.
- Giving 100% for 50% of a marathon.
- You could have run a full marathon if you wanted to!

Section 7 of 7:

Best Practices for Marathon Spectators

Download Article

1
Make signs durable and legible. Pick a solid cardstock or posterboard that doesn’t easily bend in the wind. Tape or glue your sign to painters' sticks or a broomstick so it’s secure. When you write your message, use big block letters so the runners can easily read your sign from a distance as they pass by.
- Use high-contrast, bright colors so your sign stands out from all the others.
- Write in pencil first so you can easily erase and make changes if there’s a mistake. Once you get the words all laid out, then go over them with a marker.
2
Wear bright colors to stand out in the crowd. If you’re trying to get someone’s attention who’s running the marathon, pick neon prints or bright patterns so you’re visible from the course. Silly hats and costumes are also a big plus that make you more noticeable and memorable.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Let anyone in the race know what you’re wearing beforehand so they can be on the lookout when they pass by.
3
Track runners to plan your location. Most marathons have GPS trackers for each runner, and you’re able to track them online. Find the information for any runners you’re there to see so you know where they are along the route. Find a spot farther along the course so you can cheer them on as they run past.
- Most runners “hit the wall” and start running low on energy after the 20-mile marker.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} Find a spot here to cheer on the runners when they need it most.
4
Stay off the race route. Stay behind the boundaries along the marathon course so you’re not in the way of runners who are passing by. It’s okay to reach your hand out to give a high five or fist bump, but be careful not to stand in anyone’s way.
5
Offer encouraging words of support. Mental health counselor Laura Richer states, “When you're offering someone your encouragement, you want to be positive and not diminish their experience.”^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Laura Richer
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Expert Interview} Rather than saying anything that could be taken as negative or discouraging, stick to positive, uplifting comments that will lift up the runners’ spirits and give them the energy to finish the race.
- Avoid saying “You’re almost there!” unless you’re right next to the finish line because it may throw off a runner’s pace if you’re farther away.
6
Cheer loudly when you see runners you know. Competitive runner Francisco Gomez says that having friends and family to support a runner can “hugely help their potential.” He mentions that showing up gives a runner encouragement to push through when they aren’t feeling good and lets them know they have their community backing them up.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Francisco Gomez
Competitive Runner

Expert Interview}
- Mark Russell, a marathon team leader, agrees that “just having that encouragement of being together” can help a runner feel more confident in their race.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mark Russell
  Marathon Team Leader
  
  Expert Interview}
7
Plan to meet up after the race. If you want to congratulate a runner once they finish, choose a specific spot to meet them. Let them know how amazing they did and tell them how proud or impressed you are by their hard work. Don’t forget to offer them a snack so they can refuel.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Consider having balloons or wearing a tall hat so you’re easier to find amongst the crowd.
- Bring a bag with a dry set of clothes, a change of shoes, and a sweatshirt so the runner can change into something more comfortable after the race.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Even if you’re there to see someone you know, cheer on all of the marathon runners that pass by. A few words of encouragement can go a long way!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0