The sun is peeking over the horizon.
The pavement is calling your name.
It’s the perfect day for a run!
But what will give you the final push out the door?
The perfect running quote to help you lace your shoes up.
Running isn’t just about hitting the miles.
When I was training to complete the London Marathon, I learned how the right words could make or break a Sunday long run.
So, let’s find the perfect running quote, whether you need motivational quotes, half marathon quotes, or marathon training quotes, these will inspire you to get moving!
What Are The Best Running Quotes?
Here are the best running quotes:
Motivational Running Quotes
Running isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other, it can become a journey of self-discovery as you find out how far you can push yourself.
These motivational quotes will inspire you to embrace every mile, push through challenges, and keep chasing your goals:
- Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must.
- The miracle isn’t finishing, it’s starting.
- You get out what you put in.
- Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
- Don’t dream of winning, train for it.
- There’s no such thing as bad weather, just soft people.
- Be fearless, not fast.
- Run for the experience, not just the win.
- It doesn’t matter how slow you go, just don’t stop.
- A goal without a plan is just a wish.
- Someone out there is training when you aren’t.
- Define your limits by going beyond them.
- Success is not final, failure is not fatal.
- Running is about more and more life.
- When your body says stop, call on your spirit.
- Running tests the limits of the heart.
- Strength comes from overcoming what you thought you couldn’t.
- Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t.
- Motivation gets you started, habit keeps you going.
- Running is an argument between stop and keep going.
Marathon Training Quotes
Marathon training is a test of both physical endurance and mental strength.
These quotes will help you through the tough miles and remind you of the big smile you’re going to have on your face at the finish line:
- Trust the process, the finish line will come.
- It’s not about speed, it’s about endurance.
- A marathon is run one mile at a time.
- When the legs give out, run with your heart.
- Training is tough, but so are you.
- Every mile is a step closer to the goal.
- Success is in the journey, not the destination.
- You’re stronger than you think, keep going.
- The miles build strength, the struggle builds character.
- There’s no shortcut to a marathon, only miles.
- You don’t stop when you’re tired, you stop when you’re done.
- Marathon training is the victory before the race.
- It’s not the distance, it’s the perseverance.
- In marathon training, every mile counts.
- Endurance is patience tested in miles.
- Finish lines are earned, not given.
- The miles may hurt, but quitting hurts more.
- Keep your mind focused, your legs will follow.
- Strength comes from pushing through the pain.
- One step at a time, one mile at a time.
Funny Running Quotes
Running can be challenging, but don’t forget to enjoy it and see the funny side!
These funny quotes will add a lighthearted touch to your running journey and keep your spirits high:
- Running is cheaper than therapy.
- Why run slow when you can walk fast?
- I run because I really, really like dessert.
- If found on the ground, please drag me to the finish line.
- Running: It’s cheaper than Botox.
- I thought they said “rum,” not “run.”
- Running: Where your mind says yes and your body says no.
- I run so I don’t kill people.
- Running is a mental sport… and we’re all insane.
- My running pace is somewhere between a turtle and a sloth.
- I don’t sweat, I sparkle.
- I run because I enjoy wine and pizza.
- Running is the best way to remind yourself how out of shape you are.
- I run because punching people is frowned upon.
- I run marathons… on Netflix.
- I run because I like food too much.
- Running: The art of moving really slowly for a long time.
- My favorite machine at the gym is the one with the snacks.
- I run slower than WiFi in a crowded coffee shop.
- If running is difficult, you’re doing it right.
Cross Country & Track Quotes
Cross country and track are all about pushing limits and racing against the clock.
These quotes will inspire the athlete in you to embrace the grind and celebrate every finish line crossed:
- No matter how fast or slow, you’re lapping everyone on the couch.
- The faster you run, the sooner you’re done.
- Track is where runners go to test their limits.
- The best runs come from the hardest workouts.
- Pain is temporary, pride is forever.
- Track and field: where every second counts.
- Every step you take is one step closer to the finish line.
- It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than yesterday.
- You run for the finish line, but you race for the journey.
- Compete against yourself, not others.
- The track is my canvas, and I’m painting my legacy.
- You can’t run with the big dogs if you can’t handle the trails.
- The finish line is just the beginning of a new race.
- The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle.
- It’s a long road, but it’s worth every step.
- The grind never stops, but neither do we.
- Track athletes are the definition of endurance.
- Every race is a story, and you write it with every step.
- You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
- The race isn’t over until you cross the finish line.
Inspirational Running Quotes
Marathons and races are more than just events, they’re powerful journeys filled with triumphs and personal growth.
These inspirational quotes will pick you up if you’re feeling like today’s the day you give up, and make sure you don’t:
- The marathon is a celebration of the human spirit.
- Every finish line is just the beginning of a new journey.
- It’s not the distance you cover, but the passion you bring.
- You are stronger than your excuses.
- The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow.
- Run the race with determination and heart.
- A marathon is not just about running; it’s about endurance and willpower.
- When your legs are tired, run with your heart.
- Each mile is a mile closer to your goal.
- The finish line is where the magic happens.
- Every step is a step toward victory.
- You’ve trained for this; trust your journey.
- The marathon is a test of strength, resilience, and tenacity.
- Keep pushing; greatness is waiting for you at the end.
- The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Remember why you started and let that fuel you.
- Your only limit is the one you set for yourself.
- Finish strong; the race isn’t over until you cross the line.
- The only way to do it is to do it.
- Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.
Running Quotes for Instagram
Does a training run really count if you haven’t stuck it on the socials?
These quotes will show all your buddies that you mean business and that you are pushing through the pain:
- Keep going, your future self will thank you 🏃♂️✨
- Run wild and free 🌲🏞️
- Step by step, I’m getting there 👣💪
- Outrun yesterday 🏃♀️🔥
- The race is long, but I’m just getting started 🌅🏅
- When in doubt, run it out 🏃♂️💨
- Running is my happy place 🌞💖
- Chasing dreams, one mile at a time 🌈🏃♀️
- Fueled by passion, powered by miles 💥💯
- Less talk, more running 🚫🗣️🏃♂️
- Sunshine and miles ☀️👟
- Stronger with every stride 💪🏃♀️
- Run until your fears become memories 💭➡️💪
- Running is my reset button 🔄🏃♂️
- Run fast, live fearless ⚡💥
- This is my therapy 🧘♀️🏃♀️
- Not just a run, but a lifestyle 🌍👟
- Miles make memories 📸💖
- Sweating now, smiling later 😅😊
- Run the path less traveled 🌲🏃♂️
What Makes a Great Running Quote
It Hits Home
A great running quote just gets you.
It speaks to that part of you that wants to quit at mile 10, but somehow keeps you going.
The best ones don’t need to be fancy.
They hit you right in the feels when you’re dripping in sweat and wondering why you signed up in the first place.
It Motivates When You Need It Most
When you’re out there, exhausted, the right quote can give you that extra push.
My favorite quote I have saved on my phone is – “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must.”
I pull it up when my legs feel like lead.
It gets me through.
It’s Simple But Powerful
Great quotes aren’t complicated.
Sometimes, just reading and saying out loud “You’ve got this” can be all you need to break through the mental barrier.
When your mind says stop, the right quote says, “Keep going.”
It’s Personal
Find a quote that speaks to you.
Maybe it’s about a specific challenge you’ve overcome, or maybe it’s something funny that still makes you laugh even though you’ve read it 1000 times.
I have a sticky note on my fridge that says, “I run because I really like dessert.”
It makes me smile before I head out the door.
(And makes me eat better!)
How to Use Running Quotes
Running quotes aren’t just for social media (though they work great there too!).
You can stick them around your house with specific messages to place.
E.g. I have one on my bathroom mirror, so I see it first thing in the morning before my run.
Nothing beats a little motivation when you’re still half-asleep and considering whether today’s the today you skip your run.
I also save my favorite quote of the moment as my phone wallpaper.
It’s a simple trick, but every time I check my phone, I get a boost of motivation to keep going.
When I’m mid-run and ready to quit, those words can be the difference between stopping and pushing through.
Sharing them with your running buddies is a fun way to stay motivated too.
My running group sends each other quotes and memes on our group chat constantly, and it’s a great way to get everyone hyped up!
Use them as a mantra during tough miles.
Say them out loud if you need to.
It sounds silly, but trust me, it works!
Conclusion
Running is hard, no doubt about it.
But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K, pushing through marathon prep, or just trying to stay consistent, the right motivation can make all the difference.
Quotes have helped me stay on track (literally!).
They’ve pulled me through days when I wanted to quit and reminded me why I started in the first place.
So, find the words that speak to you.
Let them lift you up, keep you going, and inspire your next run.
You’ve got this!
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
