A marathon is regarded by many as one of the most physically demanding activities a person can undertake. Running requires months of practice and dedicated training in order to be effective and whilst still being safe for runner’s health.
It is difficult to put into words the immensely inspiring and overwhelming feeling of participating in or just watching a marathon. All marathon runners will agree that this experience transforms them and that one who lines up at the starting line is not the same person who crosses the finish line.
In this article, we have collected some of the best quotes about running a marathon to reflect on this most famous endurance race.
We hope that this collection of long distance running quotes will speak to marathon runners of all levels.
Inspiring Marathon Quotes
As we’ve previously mentioned, marathons are incredibly moving experiences for both participants and spectators, and it can be difficult to put those feelings into words.
But…
What could possibly motivate someone to do something so difficult?
Here are a few inspiring quotes about running a marathon to illuminate the philosophy and mindset behind those who choose to participate in this epic race.
#1
“Every marathon I ran, I knew I had a faster one in me.” – Dick Beardsley
#2
“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
#3
“You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” – Frank Shorter
#4
“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
#5
“No marathon gets easier later. The halfway point only marks the end of the beginning.” – Joe Henderson
#6
“Of all the races, there is no better stage for heroism than a marathon.” – Dr. George Sheehan
#7
“Aiming for the marathon is a task of sorts which can include terrific highs and lows.” – Bill Rodgers
#8
“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
#9
“I also feel it usually takes four or five races to hit your best marathon for your body to be accustomed to the training AND the race itself.” – Bill Rodgers
#10
“You can never be sure. That’s what makes the marathon both fearsome and fascinating. The deeper you go into the unknown, the more uncertain you become. But then you finish. And you wonder later, ‘How did I do that?’ This question compels you to keep making the journey from the usual to the magical.” – Joe Henderson
#11
“The marathon never ceases to be a race of joy, a race of wonder.” – Hal Higdon
#12
“I dare you to train for a marathon, and not have it change your life.” – Susan Sidoriak
Uplifting Running Marathon Quotes
Many people all over the world enjoy running as a recreational activity.
Here we’ve compiled an amazing selection of marathon running quotes to keep you fueled with each step, no matter how short or long.
#1
“If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” – Emil Zatopek
#2
“Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.” – William Sigei
#3
“Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too.” – Richard O’Brien
#4
“Running a marathon is appealing to runners for many reasons. It’s epic! A real test for your mind and body and a challenge that truly fills you with complete elation when you cross the finish line. But it is in no way a trivial undertaking.” – A. J. Odudu
#5
“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
#6
“Running a marathon is a stressful event for your body, mind and spirit. But when you put yourself through that willingly, consciously and in a learning atmosphere, you begin to understand how to deal with any stressful situation in a way that does not drain you.” – Milind Soman
#7
“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
#8
“You should run your first marathon for the right reasons because you’ll never be the same person again. You must want to do it, not do it because your boss did it or your spouse did it.” – Bill Wenmark
#9
“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
#10
“When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time.” – Haile Gebrselassie
Long-Distance Running Quotes That Will Supercharge You For Race day
Training for long-distance running, such as a marathon or half-marathon, can be difficult and challenging.
Let these long-distance running quotes give you a boost. Keep them in your pocket or phone and keep on going.
#1
“Of course, long-distance running has to do with the fact that we’re hunters.” – Freeman Dyson
#2
“Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles.” – Lori Culnane
#3
“A marathon is hundreds of miles. The finish is the last 26.2.” – Unknown
#4
“If you feel bad at 10 miles, you’re in trouble. If you feel bad at 20 miles, you’re normal. If you don’t feel bad at 26 miles, you’re abnormal.” – Rob de Castella
#5
“Long distance running is particularly good training in perseverance.” – Mao Zedong
#6
“At mile 20, I thought I was dead. At mile 22, I wished I was dead. At mile 24, I knew I was dead. At mile 26.2, I realized I had become too tough to kill.” – Unknown
#7
“I’ve always felt that long, slow distance produces long, slow runners.” – Sebastian Coe
#8
“I would love for everybody in this country to run one marathon a year.” – Gary Muhrcke
The Wrap-Up!
We hope you enjoyed reading these marathon quotes!
Share these long distance running quotes with your friends to inspire them to lace up on their running shoes and start running right away.
Check out these articles about marathons. We hope you will love reading these articles too.
