70 best marathon sign ideas to hype up your favourite runner

The 2026 London marathon is set to take place this Sunday, 26th April with over 59,000 runners set to take part - including Wicked's Cynthia Erivo and Dame Laura Kenny.

And if you're lucky enough to be heading there to cheer them or someone else along, the least you can do is make a joyful banner or sign while you stand basking in the sun and sipping a drink as your loved one paces away.

Whether you're looking to write something laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarmingly sweet, or a full-blown love letter in marker, this roundup has all the inspiration you need to create a marathon masterpiece - broken down into sections depending on how lovely or sarcastic you fancy being, because who says you can't roast someone as they're running 26.2 miles?

Although, before you get started, it's good to know how on earth to even get started.

We recommend keeping hold of any cardboard boxes from any deliveries you may be receiving this week - you could even ask your neighbours if not. Failing that, any sort of foam or firm material will do.

Then it's time to get the pens out - thick permanent markers best so whoever you're supporting it actually has a chance of being able to spot it and make out what it says as they run by. Or you could go really funky and get the scissors and Pritt Stick out and get collaging.

Really, the hardest part is knowing what to actually write on the sign, but don't worry, we have you covered.

• On a scale of 1-10, I love you 26.2!
• Endorphins look good on you.
• Your legs hurt because you’re kicking so much ass.
• IDK you, but I’m proud of you!
• I made this sign just for you! Yes, you!
• If you think this is hard, try Hinge.
• The finish line has snacks!
• Run like your ex is behind you.
• Be the runner your dog thinks you are.
• I’d run faster if [NAME] was in front of me.
• Don’t trust a fart.
• Remember WHY you started.
• Run now, wine later!
• Due to inflation this race will be 28.6 miles.
• Pain is temporary, Strava is forever.
• Run if you think I’m cute.
• Uber pick-up here... Just kidding, keep running.
• Who hurt you?
• You thought this was a cool idea [number] months ago when you signed up…
• We trained for months to hold this sign!
• Smile if you have to poop.
• Smile if you peed a little while running.
• Why?
• We’re so proud of you.

• That’s my best friend! She’s a real FAST bitch!
• In your marathon era!
• Your ex is *definitely* watching the live tracker.
• Text me if you want me to call you an Uber.
• The faster you run, the sooner we drink.
• "You're doing amazing, sweetie!” – Kris Jenner Me
• This is proof I support your bad decisions.
• Remember you paid for this!
• This is the longest you've ever ignored my texts.
• You look hot when you sweat.
• Run like I just found out you watched our show without me.
• Don’t worry, I don’t love you for your toenails!
• Came for the race, stayed for the view.
• I'm your emergency contact, right?
• Mom always said you were the stubborn one.
• Today, you're the favourite child.
• Dad, you thought it said “rum,” didn’t you?
• I promise to exaggerate your PR at Christmas.
• Dad joke loading: ETA 26.2 miles
• Run like Mum's posting your splits on Facebook. (She is.)
• You're giving our family name an athletic reputation!
• Finish strong so I can brag that you're my [insert familial relation]!
• In the clurb, we all run.

• Run like Taylor Swift just dropped surprise tour dates.
• You can brag about this for AGES.
• You’re crushing this race harder than I'm crushing on you.
• Hurry up so I can squeeze you like a gel pack!
• She's not a regular mum, she's a MARATHON mum.
• My [insert family member] runs faster than your [insert family member]!
• This crowd is your fan club!
• You trained for this, and it SHOWS!
• Don’t stop now–people are watching!
• Tap here for a power boost! ⚡
• You're doing the scary thing!
• Smile - you paid for this!
• The end is near - repent your shins!
• You don’t have to train tomorrow.
• You run better than your government.
• You can brag about this for ages.
• Run like your phone’s at 1 percent.
• You didn’t get this far to only get this far.
• Run the mile you’re in.
• Don't run to add days to your life, run to add life to your days.
• Remember, you’re lapping everyone at home on the sofa.
• Free first bumps here!
• [Name of who they’re running in honour/for] is so proud of you.

Ending with a proper tear-jerker there. Happy running and banner holding!

Marisa Petrarca

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com. In the rare case that she’s not working on a story, you can find her testing new makeup, skin, or hair launches, binge-watching bad reality TV, or diligently working (but failing) to get her inbox to zero. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, POPSUGAR, and GRAZIA USA, among others. Follow her on Instagram for corgi photos and shameless self-promotion. 

Poppy Bilderbeck

Freelance Writer

Poppy Bilderbeck is a London-based freelance writer, formerly a senior journalist at LADbible Group. She specialises in writing about topics many find taboo from death to sex parties. Alongside championing mental health awareness, she loves to natter about all things TV and film too. Since taking the plunge into freelancing in January she’s been lucky enough to write for The Times, Cosmopolitan UK, Daily Express, FOODbible and Tyla. When she’s not bashing her keyboard with a ferocity branded as ‘slightly alarming’ by a former co-worker or chatting with Viggo Mortensen or Sherwood Brown - a man who survived death row for 23 years - you can find her performing spoken word poetry, acting herself or working with some amazing charities such as Words Matter and the Raphael Rowe Foundation.