One of the joys of being in a major road race is the atmosphere. It’s a real thrill to run down First Avenue Manhattan with spectators stacked three deep for over a mile. Or running past the Wellesley College girls on the way into Boston. Then there is the music — the “Rock ‘n’ Roll” marathon series is based around bands and cheerleaders. I have run a couple of marathons with a camera and have some video clips on my Facebook page that will give you some idea of what its like.
Part of that atmosphere is spectator signs. Over the years, I’ve seen a little bit of everything.
They can be inspirational —
“Hello, Complete Stranger, I’m Proud of You, Too”
“Your Feet Hurt Because You’re Kicking Ass”
“Chuck Norris Never Ran a Marathon”
Friendly —
“Welcome to Brooklyn”
A touch insulting —
“Worst Parade Ever”
“Worst Disney Parade Ever. Where Are The Floats?” (Walt Disney World Version)
“You Know The First Guy Who Did This Died?” (A reference to the legend of Pheidippides, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides)
Topical —
“Worst Caravan Ever”
“You Are The One Percent” (Remember that political issue?)
Suggestive —
“Date a Marathoner. They Go For Hours.”
“I Admire Your Stamina. Call Me.”
And because the best runners come from Kenya —
“In Our Minds You’re All Kenyans” (pictured at the 2010 New York City Marathon)
Or more realistically: “The Kenyans Have Already Finished.”
But whatever they say, they are fun to see and greatly appreciated.