With marathon and half marathon training in full swing, it’s time to get yourself in beast mode. But as you imagine race day on the horizon, it never hurts to visualize how the race will play out.

Whether you feel great or you hit the dreaded marathon wall, one thing is pretty certain—you will see some witty, motivational, inspirational, and downright silly signs during your race.

Though the more obscure ones may make you do a double take, these classic signs are sure to give you a boost—and prepare you for what you may see when you toe the line this fall. If nothing else, it could serve as inspiration the next time your spectating at a big race.


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It’s okay, we’ll believe in your math at this point in the race.

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Baby Yoda advice you need.

You really could hallucinate during a marathon and start seeing Gritty.

We could, but we won’t.

Whoa, sorry man.

She knows what is really important.

They had a good run.

Good dog! Good sign!

But we WANT to do this.

We love Cardi B as well.

Yes, that dog looks ferocious.

Faster... faster! 😯

There better be more than a banana at the finish.

This one cuts deep.

A perfect idea for the font snob in your life.

Which marathon is better??

A better thought than realizing every cell of your body aches.

Forever a runner’s best friend.

A clever sign and a nice historical dig at Edward VII at the same time.

The one question that matters, when it really comes down to it.

A much-needed clarification: John is not a real person.

To be fair, it is a tough job.

If Dory was a runner, she’d be that person who says, “I’m never going through this again” after every one of her 20 marathons.

Unless you’re like us at Runner’s World and get paid to run at work.

Doomsday never sounded so good.

Now that’s called turning a negative into a positive.

Justice for T-Swizzle.

A classic that just can’t stop being relevant.

A meta-commentary on the futility of life, or just a lazy sign maker?

Runners really should throw some extra energy gels at the crowd.

You’re going to want to be runnen, not Walken, past this sign.

Don’t keep them from their nap!

If the squirrel stayed on course, pretty sure this good boy would break 2-hours.

Hope you come out on the tricera-top!

Simple, yet effective, use of emojis.

Pretty sure this rings true for everyone who is beaming at the end of the race...

Specifically for those Dr. Who fans.

An update to a classic.

Headshot of Jacob Meschke
Jacob Meschke
Contributing Writer

Jacob joined Runner’s World and Bicycling as an editorial fellow after graduating from Northwestern University in 2018, where he studied journalism. His work focuses mainly on news and service pieces for both audiences, with the occasional foray into longer feature work and product reviews. He especially loves to highlight the journeys of unique runners and riders doing amazing things in their communities.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.