Inspirational marathon quotes can make a huge difference in motivation, both during training and on race day. Having some familiar quotes in the back of your head can provide the energy you need to push through the wall and other tough moments.
When to use inspiration running quotes?
Running quotes can be helpful at any time – during training, race day, or even every day life moments. Memorizing an inspirational marathon quote that is particularly meaningful can help you power through difficult running moments.
When you’re struggling to keep going during a run, feeling unmotivated to head out for a training run, or finding it difficult to push yourself on race day, repeating a quote in your mind can provide inspiration to power through and persevere.
Inspirational Marathon Quotes for Race Day
These 23 inspirational marathon quotes are perfect for race day. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, running your first marathon, or simply hoping for a great experience, these quotes will help you overcome every obstacle.
“If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” – Emil Zatopek
“You don’t have to be so tough that it doesn’t hurt, you just have to be tough enough not to quit.” – Unknown
“I would love for everybody in this country to run one marathon a year.” – Gary Muhrcke
“The marathon. How an average runner becomes more than average.” – New Balance
“Of all the races, there is no better stage for heroism than a marathon.” – Dr. George Sheehan
“Toeing the starting line of a marathon, regardless of the language you speak, the God you worship or the color of your skin, we all stand as equal. Perhaps the world would be a better place if more people ran.” – Dean Karnazes
“Every marathon I ran, I knew I had a faster one in me.” – Dick Beardsley
“Marathoning. The triumph of desire over reason.” – New Balance
“So many people crossing the finish line of a marathon look as happy as when I won. They have tears in their eyes. The sport is full of winners.” – Gary Muhrcke
“The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race.” – Unknown
“The marathon never ceases to be a race of joy, a race of wonder.” – Hal Higdon
“Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles.” – Lori Culnane
“No marathon gets easier later. The halfway point only marks the end of the beginning.” – Joe Henderson
“There is a moment in every race. A moment where you can either quit, fold, or say to yourself, ‘I can do this.’” – Gatorade
“The reason people want to run the marathon is because the challenge, physically, is you. The distance – how you get there – is all up to you and how hard you work. That’s why people want to do it.” – Meb Keflezighi
“The music of a marathon is a powerful strain, one of those tunes of glory. It asks us to forsake pleasures, to discipline the body, to find courage, to renew faith, and to become one’s own person, utterly and completely.” – George Sheehan
“You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” – Frank Shorter
Marathon Inspirational Quotes for Training
Running a marathon is no easy feat, but the race itself is not the only challenge. Much of the pain, struggle and challenge comes during the weeks and months of training beforehand. There’s no better way to use an running quote than to practice reciting it in training. Here are some of the most relevant, inspiration quotes for marathon training.
“I dare you to train for a marathon, and not have it change your life.” – Susan Sidoriak
“It is difficult to train for a marathon, but it is even more difficult to not be able to train for a marathon.” – Aaron Douglas Trimble
“Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.” – William Sigei
“A marathon is hundreds of miles. The finish is the last 26.2.” – Unknown
“The marathon is not really about the marathon, it’s about the shared struggle. And it’s not only the marathon but the training.” – Bill Buffum
“I love the fact that not many people can say ‘Oh, I went out and ran 20 miles today.’ I love how much dedication it takes and how much you learn a lot about yourself, your physical and mental limits. There’s just something about it.” – Shalane Flanagan
“Aiming for the marathon is a task of sorts which can include terrific highs and lows.” – Bill Rodgers
Marathon Running Quotes for Motivation
Finding a meaningful, inspiring marathon quote often takes a bit of time. Settle on a quote with little meaning and it will be hard to find motivation in it when things get tough. If you’re still struggling to find marathon inspiration that resonates with you, check out some of the following:
30 Motivational Running Quotes
Taking the time to internalize one of a few of these inspirational marathon quotes is a great way to stock your tool kit for race day and tough training runs. When the going gets tough, repeating or remembering your favorite running quote can help you remember why you started and what the race means to you.
Try adding the marathon quote to your vision board, running journal, phone background, or writing it on your arm for race day. Revisiting these inspirational words frequently will help you stay motivated to perform your best.