Introduction
Running Motivation Quotes inspire and encourage people to keep going, no matter how tough the run gets. These quotes provide the mental boost needed to push through challenges, stay focused, and reach personal goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, motivational quotes can remind you of your strength, dedication, and passion for the sport. They highlight the importance of persistence and overcoming obstacles, helping you stay committed to your running journey. With the right words, running can feel less like a challenge and more like a rewarding experience, fueling both your mind and body to keep moving forward.
Table of Contents

70 Running Motivation Quotes
Here are 70 unique running motivation quotes with author references:
1. “I run to feel my body function properly, to be able to put one foot in front of the other.” – Joan Benoit
2. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
3. “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” – Joe Cirulli
4. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
5. “I don’t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days.” – Unknown
6. “The pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong
7. “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.” – Muhammad Ali
8. “It’s not about being the best, it’s about being better than you were yesterday.” – Unknown
9. “Running is not just about putting one foot in front of the other; it’s about being able to walk the fine line between life and death.” – Alberto Salazar
10. “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” – Anonymous
11. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
12. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
13. “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” – Mark Zuckerberg
14. “It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne
15. “I run this body, and God forgives my soul.” – Author Unknown
16. “You have to want it – really want it. Then you’ll have to work for it.” – Coach Mike Krzyzewski
17. “You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for.” – Daniel Milstein
18. “Your body is capable of amazing things, it’s your mind you have to convince.” – Unknown
19. “Running is a big part of my life, but it’s not all of who I am.” – Meb Keflezighi

20. “It’s not the physical act of running that I love, it’s the mental aspect of it.” – Deena Kastor
21. “There is something about pushing your body to the limit that is a little scary, but also fascinating.” – Summer Sanders
22. “What I love most about running is that it never gets easier.” – Unknown
23. “Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever. Running makes you feel good.” – Nicole Curtis
24. “I run because I love my body, not because I hate it.” – Jessi Stensland
25. “When the little voice in your head says, ‘give up,’ I say, ‘keep going’.” – Michael Jordan
26. “It’s always too early to quit.” – Norman Vincent Peale
27. “Running is not just about putting one foot in front of the other, it’s about the freedom to move.” – Unknown
28. “The biggest accomplishment is usually achieved because we have such strong motivations driving us.” – Catherine Hickem
29. “If you know the ‘whys,’ you’ll endure any ‘how.'” – Frederick Nietzsche
30. “Make sure your dreams are bigger than your fears.” – Bobby Darin
31. “You don’t get it until you give it.” – Jim Rohn
32. “Doubt creeps in, but doubt will always fuel my resolve.” – Lolo Jones
33. “Your only limit to greatness is your own imagination.” – Todd Johnson
34. “Running is only as hard as you make it out to be.” – Unknown
35. “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Unknown
36. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.” – John Wooden
37. “Running is about perseverance, dedication, and the ability to push yourself to new limits.” – Billy Mills
38. “Pain will leave once it has finished teaching you.” – Unknown
39. “I run to live, I live to run.” – Author Unknown

40. “I never count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts burning.” – Muhammad Ali
41. “If it doesn’t suck, it’s not worth it. Running makes me feel alive.” – Tanya Oxendine
42. “Running is this amazing thing that our bodies are capable of, and when you are running, everything else can just melt away.” – Summer Sanders
43. “You become what you believe – not what you wish.” – Oprah Winfrey
44. “Focus on the journey, and the rest will take care of itself.” – Jill Abramson
45. “Motivation is like a muscle; it must be stretched.” – James Gordon
46. “My ability can solve a thousand problems, but my dumb inability may not be able to deal with a single situation.” – Albert Einstein
47. “I don’t run; I just walk fast.” – Unknown
48. “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall; it’s about getting back up.” – Benny Franklin
49. “The discipline of practice is what makes a master.” – Unknown
50. “Chase your passion, not your pension.” – Denis Waitley
51. “Experience is the teacher of all things.” – Julius Caesar
52. “Motivation is like food for our brain; we need it to survive.” – Steve Maraboli
53. “At any given moment, you can always make a decision that will change the rest of your life.” – Charles F. Kettering
54. “The key to success is dedication, perseverance and discipline.” – Master Wong
55. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
56. “Keep going even when you don’t feel like going.” – Unknown
57. “Hard work will only take you so far; you need to have a healthy dose of self-confidence to get you over that finish line.” – Caroline Kole
58. “Life is too short to waste time on non-runners.” – Sarah Healy
59. “You are stronger than you believe, braver than you think, and smarter than you imagine.” – Arthur Dibble

60. “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Steven Tyler
61. “If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” – Hank Aaron
62. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
63. “Motivation is like a muscle – you have to exercise it to strengthen it.” – Michael Ross
64. “Run to remind yourself that you are capable of the impossible.” – Unknown
65. “We do today what they won’t, so tomorrow we can accomplish what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice
66. “Running is about the freedom of the open road, fresh air, beautiful scenery and fresh hope.” – Joan Benoit
67. “Do something today that will make your future self proud.” – Unknown
68. “I don’t always enjoy running, but I love the feeling after.” – Mark LaScola
69. “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
70. “You only live once; you might as well be a runner.” – Robin Arzon
FAQs
Here are 7 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Running Motivation Quotes:
1. Why do runners use motivational quotes?
Runners use motivational quotes to inspire themselves and push through mental or physical barriers, especially during tough runs or races. These quotes provide a mental boost, helping them focus on goals, overcome fatigue, and build confidence.
2. What are some popular motivational quotes for runners?
Popular quotes include phrases like “Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it” and “The only failure is not to try.” These quotes resonate with runners as they reflect the effort, determination, and mindset needed for success.
3. How do motivational quotes impact race performance?
Motivational quotes can positively impact race performance by helping runners focus on the mental aspect of running, such as staying calm under pressure, pushing through pain, and maintaining a positive outlook during difficult moments.
4. Are there specific quotes for different types of races, like marathons or 5Ks?
Yes, there are quotes tailored to different race types. For example, for marathons, quotes like “The halfway point only marks the end of the beginning” emphasize endurance. Shorter race quotes often focus on speed and pushing through discomfort.
5. Do professional athletes use motivational quotes?
Yes, professional runners and athletes frequently use motivational quotes. For example, Olympian Allyson Felix talks about using nerves as a positive force, while Steve Prefontaine emphasized racing as an art.
6. Can funny running quotes be motivating too?
Absolutely! Funny quotes like “Running is kind of like coffee… bitter at first, but addictive after a while” help lighten the mood and keep runners smiling through the tough times.
7. How can I incorporate running quotes into my routine?
You can write down quotes on your running shoes, set them as your phone wallpaper, or recite them before a race. Many runners also share motivational quotes with their community for encouragement.