Nothing about being a race spectator is easy. The credit usually goes to those on the course, but a lot has to be said for the friends, family and volunteers who get up at dark o’ thirty to stand around for hours. Here are some marathon race sign ideas to make that process a tad easier.
Thank you dear spectators.
They wait patiently.
They scan the runners for ages wondering where you are.
And they worry, they fret, they clap til their hands are raw.
They shout, they jump, they high five.
53 Funny & Motivational Race Signs | Marathon Posters & Banners
Ok maybe I’m only describing the really great spectators, but the truth is those really wonderful spectators can give a great big boost to runners having a tough day, shooting for a PR or just out to enjoy the course.
Have someone coming out for the first time to cheer you on?
Help them enjoy the day more by getting involved in cheering! If they’re going to be out there for hours, I can guarantee it’s more fun as a group holding up signs and seeing the faces of passing runners.
Funny marathon signs are a game changer when someone is about to hit the wall or coming off a big hill.
Quick Tips for Marathon Spectators
So here are a few things that help both spectator and runner have more fun.
Show Up
This may sound obvious, but the truth is a lot of us talk a big game about coming out to cheer and then…well..it’s REALLY EARLY or cold or dark or wet and we don’t.
Your runner needs you. Do it!
Be Visible
As we are running by scanning the crowds it’s hard to find your faces, but we desperately want to!!
So try wearing a super bright shirt, holding a massive foam finger, a Dora the Explorer balloon. This way if we see you before you see us then we can start to hoot and holler {assuming that energy remains}.
Post Race
Coordinate the post race meet up. We might be too nervous or too focused on the race to tell you where to meet us. Check out the finish line map and then remind us a few times where you’ll be.
Race Signs
Yes we love them, chuckle at them and are entirely motivated by those pieces of cardboard no matter how pretty or ugly. If you are in need of some race sign ideas here are a few by category!
Top Funny Race Signs
We could all use a good laugh as we near the final miles of a race, so feel free to make us laugh.
These are a few of the hilarious race signs I’ve seen over many marathons that the crowd will appreciate.
- You thought they said RUM didn’t you?
- Go Random Stranger!!
- Your legs hurt from kicking so much as…phalt!
- I trained for months to hold this sign.
- Smile you paid for this
- Smile this might be on TikTok
- My Hot Wife is Running and all I do is Drink Beer
- High five if you love running (we love a good high five sign, especially for kids)
- You look HOT
- On a scale of 1-10, you’re a 13.1
- Smile if you’re not wearing underwear
- Your pace or mine?
- If it were easy, I would do it!
- No one ever died drowning in sweat!
- If I see you collapse, I’ll pause your Garmin
- Chuck Norris never ran a marathon
- Pain is temporary; race results are online forever
- You’re running better than the government
- Stop reading, start running
- You think you’re tired, my arms are killing me
- Don’t Stop! People are watching!
- It’s just a hill — get over it.
- Worst parade ever
- This is a lot of work for a free banana
- What does the FOX say? run, run, run, run
- The Kenyans are already done
- Because 26.3 would just be crazy!
- I’m sure it seemed like a good idea 6 months ago
- If you think this hard, try dating you
- Toenails are for losers
- You know you don’t have to do this, right?
- Why do all the cute ones run away?
- I see crazy people
- Run like someone just called you a jogger
- You’ve Got Great Endurance, Call Me
- I did a 5K marathon
- Charlie Sheen called…he’s says you’re WINNING!
- Which one of you fartlek’d?
- Where is everyone going?
- Just Finished My Own Marathon: On Netflix
- If you want a ride home, run faster I am leaving soon
- Blisters are braille for awesome
- Always Give 100% : Except when Giving Blood
- I stayed up all night making this sign
- You are NOT almost there
- Stuck between a walk and a hard pace
- I’m an athletic supporter
- I don’t even like driving 26.2 miles
Motivational Race Signs
Early on we’re still thinking how bad ass we are for doing this, so feed those egos to keep us going!
- Run now, wine later
- Your feet hurt because you’re kicking butt.
- Kick some asphalt
- Your legs make you look fast
- Those shorts make you look fast
- Sweat is liquid awesome
- May the course be with you
- There will come a day when you cannot do this, today is not that day
- If Trump can run you, so can you
- Pain is temporary, finishing is forever
- Remember WHY you started
- Run with your heart when your legs get tired
- You’re stronger than you think you are
- You are AMAZING
- You’re My Hero
- You Can Do THIS
- Finishing is the ONLY option
- Embrace the suck
- You look hot when you sweat
- Humpty Dumpty had wall issues too
- Pain is weakness leaving the body
- There’s Beer at the Finish Line
- Someday you will fail…today is not that day
- Go random stranger Go!!
- There is no time limit on 26.2 greatness
- Running is a mental sport and we’re all insane
- Less than 1% of Americans have run a marathon. You are one of those 1%.
- Oh hell, you’ve come this far, may as well finish
- Run your new weight! 1:50 (loved this weight loss encouragement sign! sorry I didn’t snap a photo while racing!)
Extra Creative Marathon Sign Ideas
Want to really take things to the next level with your marathon cheering…
- Create a big blow up of their face
- Get a group of you to dress up (think themes like cowboy or Hawaiian)
- Blast music because runners can always use it and we love to see you dancing
- Pass out candy, orange slices or heck beer
- Create 2 signs: You’re Almost There. That’s what she said.
- Sidewalk chalk, this keeps your arms free for all that high fiving.
If that still wasn’t enough, I came up with 31 more hilarious race sign ideas >>
Did you know that laughter actually diminishes pain signals?
This is why you standing around for hours with a funny marathon sign is so beneficial. Race day freaking hurts! And a huge part of hitting goals and crossing that finish line is finding ways to get out of our heads about the pain.
Plus, each time we laugh we’re breathing in more oxygen rich air. We’re giving a boost to the runners around us. And ultimately remembering that running is fun.
We did in fact pay to do this crazy thing for a reason. However, insane that reason may feel at mile 23.
What’s the best race sign you’ve ever seen?
Do you pay attention to signs while running?
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Jeri
These are great! I’m in beautiful Washington Utah and I live ON THE COURSE of the Ironman World Championship next month. I won’t be home that day because I’ll be seeing the athletes as they come out of the water as a volunteer at T1. I plan on buying sidewalk chalk today so I can write encouraging messages on the road in front of my place the nite before
amanda
that’s awesome, love seeing that as we run!