Are you a passionate runner looking for a way to synbolize your love for the sport? Running tattoos are a great way to express your dedication to running and all the joy and benefits it brings into your life!
As a runner, I’m sure you agree with the fact that running is not just a sport, it’s a way of life. From the early morning training runs at the crack of dawn to the adrenaline-pumping race day finishes, running is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a true passion for the sport.
It’s no surprise then, that many runners choose to commemorate their love of running with a tattoo.
Whether it’s a simple symbol or a more elaborate design, running tattoos can serve as a constant reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and strength required to excel in the sport.
In this article, I’ll go over 15 running tattoo ideas, along with the reasons why each one could be the perfect way to showcase your love for running.
So whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a new runner just starting out on your journey, these running tattoo ideas are sure to inspire you to take your love of running to the next level.
Why Consider Getting A Running Tattoo?
Tattoos are a form of self-expression, and a running tattoo can be a unique way to showcase your personality and creativity. Plus, for many it’s like having a visual reminder of your favorite running mantra.
A running tattoo is the perfect way to combine two passions for those who enjoy both getting tattooed and the thrill of running outdoors for a short rub, a 5K 10K, or even a marathon.
For many runners, running is more than just a sport – it’s a passion and a way of life. A tattoo can be a way to symbolize your love for running and the positive impact it has had on your life.
Plus, running can be a challenging and sometimes painful activity, but a tattoo can serve as a source of motivation to keep pushing yourself and achieving your goals.
For many people, running can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult times or overcoming personal challenges. A tattoo can be a way to mark a significant life event, such as overcoming an illness or personal struggle, and celebrate your resilience and strength.
Some people may fear that their tattoos may become irrelevant when they get too old to run as fast as they did when they were younger.
But, those who have a passion for running and get a tattoo depicting that passion will tell you that it will never go away. In fact, it’ll serve as a reminder for all that you’ve been able to achieve and overcome in life.
Is There a Downside of a Running Tattoo?
Aside from the possibility that you are not a tattoo person at all, scientists previously believe that the one drawback was that if you were heavily inked, it could hinder your running performance due to differences in sweat rate between tattooed skin and non-tattooed skin.
However, fortunately, according to a new 2019 study, it was found that the sweat rate of tattooed skin wasn’t significantly different than that of plain skin! In fact, researchers concluded that the influence of skin tattoos on localized sweat responses may have previously been overestimated.
And so, the only minor downside to getting a running tattoo is that it may require a little bit of recovery time!
Time it so that it doesn’t take away from your training, especially if you’re gearing up for a major race. But otherwise, you should be good to go!
15 Best Running Tattoo Ideas
In the past few years, I’ve had many of you share your running-inspired tattoos with me over Facebook and have loved every single one of them!
Here are 15 running tattoo ideas I’m sure you’re going to love, along with some you’ve shared with me over the years.
1. Inspirational Quote
Inspirational quotes are a great way to remind yourself of your goals and why it’s important to keep pushing through even when the going gets tough. A running tattoo with a meaningful quote is a perfect way to keep motivation and inspiration close at hand!
Whether it’s an inspirational message that resonates with you, an insightful idea, or words from a favorite song that gets you motivated, having these words in black ink on your body can serve as a daily reminder of your goals and ambitions.
One of the most popular choice is getting ‘miles to go’ on the top of your foot or the inside of your wrist. It comes from Robert Frost’s poem ‘Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.’
Cassie Meyer – Got after my first marathon – I repeated “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” several times throughout!
2. Race Bib
Race Bib tattoos can be a great way to commemorate special races or running events. Whether it’s your first marathon or your 10th 5K, having a race bib tattoo on your body can be a constant reminder of the hard work and dedication you put into achieving your goals.
You can choose to have an exact replica of your race bib or customize it with different colors and designs to make it unique.
3. Runner Outlines
A runner silhouette tattoo is a great way to capture the essence of running without being too overt. The simple design can also be customized with different colors and details, like a headband or a hat.
This type of tattoo is perfect for those who want to show their love and passion for running in a subtle and more minimalistic way. Personally, I feel runner outlines are a great way to remind yourself that no matter the obstacle, your body can overcome anything!
Bobbie Sue Langford: Reminder to myself that I am stronger than the the voice that tells me to quit. And I won’t quit because I need to set an example for my kids.
4. Distance Marker
Another option is to get a tattoo of a distance marker, such as the number 26.2 for a marathon or 13.1 for a half marathon. They’re the perfect way to honor the milestones you’ve achieved in your running journey. Again, you can customize this type of tattoo with different colors and details to make it unique.
Nichole Badura: Small and simple but reminds me of what I’m capable of! 26.2
5. Runner’s High
Runner’s High is a feeling of euphoria that runners often experience during or after intense physical activity.
The exact cause of this feeling has not been determined, but it is believed to be caused by increased levels of endorphins in the brain. However, some scientists believe that the release of endocannabinoids rather than endorphins is responsible for this euphoric feeling.
Interestingly, runner’s high, or met-enkephalin as it is more properly known in the scientific community, has its own unique molecular structure. Several runners have taken the plunge and gotten tattoos illustrating this chemical structure as a way to express their dedication and passion for running.
6. Personal Record (PR)
Proud of your personal record (PR) or running achievement? Why not commemorate your running accomplishments and celebrate the progress you’ve made!
This type of tattoo can truly serve as a reminder of all the hard work, dedication, and effort you put into achieving your goals. Plus, it’s a great way to remind yourself of what you’re capable of, especially when you’ve had a bad day.
Kate Bowers: Mine commemorates completing a 36-hour adventure race with my best friend.
7. Running Shoes
Running shoes are an iconic symbol of the sport. Consider getting a tattoo of your favorite pair of shoes or a simple design of running shoes to showcase your love for running.
Instead of shoes, you can also simply go for some footprints. They’re a classic running tattoo design and can be small and simple or larger and more detailed, depending on your preference.
Both these running tattoo ideas represent the miles you’ve run and the journey you’ve taken to get to where you are today.
8. Important Date
If you have a special date or anniversary related to running, consider getting a tattoo of that date. Whether you can recall the very beginning of your running journey or not, you’ve undoubtedly passed a few major milestones along the way. When did you run a half marathon for the first time? On what date did you finish that special run for charity?
This is a pretty common thing to do, since a lot of people have tattoos with the dates of their children’s births or their weddings. If running is a major part of your life, then this is a great way to showcase it! This running tattoo idea can be the day you ran your first race or completed your longest distance.
9. GPS Coordinates
Do you have a favorite running route or location that you’ve always loved after a long run? Consider getting a tattoo of the GPS coordinates for that spot! This can serve as a reminder of the miles you’ve run in that area and the memories you’ve created along the way.
10. Trail Map
If you’re a trail runner, consider getting a tattoo of your favorite trail map. This can be a great way to showcase your love of nature and the thrill of running on challenging terrain.
11. Race Medal or Logo
If you’ve completed a race and received a medal, a great idea is to get a tattoo of the medal design. It’ll serve as a reminder of the hard work you put into that race, and all the training you did to cross the finish line!
Plus, you can even get a tattoo of the logo for the race! Many marathons have unique logos that can be used in a tattoo design, or you can simply use the logo of your favorite race as a tribute to all the hard work you put into training!
Jered Mansell: Got the running tattoo updated with last year’s races. Couldn’t get married without proof of all of my accomplishments.
12. Personal Mantra
A personal mantra can be a great way to motivate yourself during your athletic journey. Consider getting a tattoo of your own personal phrase or saying to serve as a reminder of the courage and strength you have within.
Whether it’s “Never Give Up” or “Run Your Own Race,” having a mantra tattooed on your body can help you stay focused and empowered. It can serve as a constant source of motivation when you need it most.
13. Marathon Course Map
Is there a marathon course you love the most? Or one you’ve been training to conquer? A great running tattoo idea would be to a tattoo of the course map!
It’ll remind you of the challenging you overcame during the race, and the mental strength you have as a marathon runner.
14. Finish Line
Yet to run your first ever race? Then this is the perfect running tattoo idea for you!
A finish line tattoo can represent the ultimate goal of any runner: reaching the finish line! This type of tattoo is perfect for those who are aiming to reach a specific running goal, like completing a marathon or ultramarathon.
You could even get a tattoo of an outline of your finish line photo from your favorite race!
15. The Tortoise And The Hare
Use one of the most well-known running stories ever told as inspiration if you’re searching for something a little more unconventional.
That’s right, we’re going to talk about the classic story of the tortoise and the hare.
Get a running tattoo that is based on the characters from the novel to showcase your dedication to the saying ‘Slow and steady wins the race!’
16. Running Partner or Community Symbol
If you’re part of a running group or community, consider getting a tattoo of the group’s symbol or logo. This can represent the camaraderie and support that comes with being part of a running community.
And if, instead, you have a running partner that’s been with you every step along the way, you can get a matching tattoo with them such as a silhouette of runners holding hands or a tattoo that incorporates both of your names.
Mary Ann Seman-Paulus: My daughter and I got identical tattoos after running our 1st marathon together.
No matter what you choose to get, there are so many ways to make it memorable. From a pink ribbon to mountain to simply noting the distance. Hopefully, some of these give you ideas for big or small mementos.
Running Symbol Tattoo Ideas
None of the above doing it for ya? Here are some of the most common symbols that often work for a more minimalist running tattoo:
- Wings on the ankles to represent Hermes
- Numbers for each race distance completed
- Boston Marathon Logo
- Ironman logo
- A favorite running-related food or drink, such as a banana or a sports drink
- Short or single word mantras: breathe, one more mile, endure
- Character from a running-related book or movie, such as Forrest Gump or Haruki Murakami
- The flag of a country or state where you’ve run a significant race
- A favorite running-related animal, such as a cheetah or a gazelle
Looking for something less permanent? Here are some ideas to display your running medals.
Have one that’s not shown here and might inspire someone else, let us know!
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