Marathoners need the spectators—to cheer them on, inspire them, or maybe just make them laugh and take their mind off things in the midst of a brutal journey to the finish line. Here are 20 marathon signs that give runners the mental break they desperately need. Ready to run? Find a Marathon
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Lucky You, Rich
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Because every runner needs a little support. Seen at the Chicago Marathon. (Photo: Alyson Hurt)
Motivated by a Misdemeanor
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Hey, whatever inspires you. Seen at the Carlsbad Marathon (Photo: Jan Lichterman)
Half Normal
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Once the marathoners veer off and take on 13 more miles, this will make sense. Seen at the Denver Marathon (Photo: Michael Puig)
Yeah, I'll Get On That
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A nod to the greatest marathoners out there. Good luck with that. Seen on "Spirit of the Marathon" at the Chicago Marathon.
Most Versatile Joke Ever
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Made famous by "The Office" and used every day around the world—including at marathons. Seen at the Philadelphia Marathon (Photo: Holly E. Clark)
More Bang for Your Buck
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Five signs at once. You might have to stop if you want to read them all, though. Seen at the Denver Marathon (Photo: Michael Puig)
Not What He Expected
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One of the more popular marathon signs out there, but still funny every time. Seen at the Eugene Marathon (Photo: Jan Lichterman)
How Did You Know?
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Yes I do. And yes I did. Seen at the Denver Marathon (Photo: Michael Puig)
Try Match.com?
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She won't give up, despite a sign saying "Why Do All The Cute Ones Run Away?" Seen at the Big Sur Marathon (Photo: SeeMonterey.com)
Run For Your Life
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No explanation needed. Seen at the SeaWheeze lululemon Half Marathon (Photo: lululemon)
Just Kidding!
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Unconfirmed, but we doubt any runners REALLY had to pay a toll. Haha, real funny guys. Seen at the Vancouver Marathon (Photo: Sarah MacKinnon)
It Sure Did, Boss
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Does he have to rub it in? Seen at the Denver Marathon (Photo: Michael Puig)
2011 Pop Culture References for $100
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Whatever gets your mind off the pain—even if it's Charlie Sheen one-liners—is all good. Seen at the Pittsburgh Marathon (AP Photo)
Indeed
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A few hours into the race, few will disagree with this. Seen on "Spirit of the Marathon" at the Chicago Marathon.
Hammer Time
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Even if you're not wearing MC Hammer's signature baggy pants, you can get some adrenaline from this sign. Seen at the SeaWheeze lululemon Half Marathon (Photo: lululemon)
A Little Inspiration
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Once you've hit the wall, a perfectly placed sign can give you a much-needed boost. Like this one, seen at the Carlsbad Marathon (Photo: Jan Lichterman)
Don't Worry About It
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Yes, it's true: You might lose a toenail or two. But this youngster reminds us that it doesn't make you a wimp. Seen at the Denver Marathon (Photo: Michael Puig)
A Call to Action
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Who knows if it actually works, but 20 miles in, you'll try anything. Seen at the Eugene Marathon (Photo: Jan Lichterman)
The End is Near
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Pretty much sums up what many marathoners are feeling with only 1.2 miles to go. Seen at the Big Sur Marathon. (Photo: SeeMonterey.com)
Out of Ideas
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Yes, all the good ideas were taken, but A for effort buddy. Seen at the Eugene Marathon. (Photo: Jan Lichterman)