The 10 Best Lines Heard During a Marathon
© STADION-ACTUA marathon is a physical and mental challenge, and sometimes… a full-blown comedy adventure. Between moments of doubt, minor mishaps and thoughts voiced mid-effort, some comments deserve a place in the hall of fame. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer, you've probably heard or even said one of these gems over the miles. Here's a collection of the most memorable lines you'll hear during a race that seems to go on forever!
‘1 – « When's the next aid station? »
Every 5 kilometres, in principle. Hang in there. If you want aid stations more often, you should run the Marathon du Médoc.
‘2 – « Keep going, only 40 kilometres to go »
It's only the beginning. It's going to be a long way, but you'll be fine!
‘3 – « Oh yes, there's the dreaded wall. No doubt about it »
Everyone's starting to walk, some runners have stopped altogether. No doubt about it, you've made it past 30 kilometres.
The wall is here, relentless as ever, but just remember: it's there to be broken through, not to stop you!
‘4 – « Damn, I forgot to take my super-energy caffeine gel »
You should have swallowed it 40 minutes ago. It's a good sign if you haven't noticed the time flying by!
‘5 – « The toilets? Where are the toilets? »
Funny how everyone looks for the toilets at some point during a marathon. Those portable loos must be really something. They start to seem just as important as the finish line!
‘6 – « How come he's already got his medal around his neck? Did he have time to finish and come back onto the course? »
Exactly. He's already had time to finish, change and head back out, but never mind, what you're doing is huge.
And don't worry, this isn't a race against anyone else. It's a race against yourself. Stay on course. Your medal is coming too, at your own pace!
‘7 – « I knew signing up for this marathon was a completely stupid idea »
It's a little late to say that now. You're already in it… So, see you at the finish.
But don't worry, you're not the only one to have had that doubt at some point. There's no turning back now. It's simply a matter of pride. Come on, you're already too far in to regret it!
‘8 – « I'm going to stop. I can't take any more »
No way! Absolutely not! You're lucky to have a bib, to be running and to be healthy, so get moving and enjoy it.
The finish is closer than you think, and every extra kilometre is a victory.
‘9 – « Is the Red Cross station far away? »
Oh, come on. You've only got a small blister. They're at the finish. You'll see whether they think amputation is necessary.
‘10 – « My wife was right. I never should have signed up »
Women are always right, aren't they? But look at you: you've been training relentlessly for three months, and now you're part of the elite who are going to cross that finish line. The time doesn't matter. She'll be so proud of you, that's for sure! And when you cross the line, you'll finally be able to tell her: « I told you I was a marathoner ! »
In the end, whatever lines we come out with along the way, the important thing remains the same: finish the marathon and push beyond your limits. Because despite the moments of doubt, the minor mishaps and the thoughts voiced mid-effort, every marathoner eventually crosses the finish line proud of the journey. So next time you catch yourself saying one of these lines, remember: it'll become part of the folklore of this incredible experience!
| Marathon calendar in France, here.