Tattoo

The 14 Best Running Tattoo Ideas

many enthusiastic runners will tell you that running is part of their DNA.

When a certain activity becomes such a vital part of your life, something you think about and look forward to all the time, it’s natural to value it so much.

but what if you want to go one step further?

As the prevalence of body art has grown and grown in recent years, so has the popularity of running tattoos.

Tattoos aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy getting tattooed, there are plenty of examples of cool running tattoos.

In this article, we will suggest some of the best body art ideas that fit into this category.

we will explore:

  • Why get a career tattoo?
  • Running Tattoos: Recovery and Aftercare
  • Top 14 Running Tattoo Ideas
  • leave your mark!

let’s get to it.

Male runner with lots of tattoos running a race.

Why Get A Running Tattoo?

For those who love to get tattooed and also love the toning that getting outdoors for a run, 10K run or even a marathon run provides, a running tattoo is the ideal way to combine these two passions.

after all, many people see running as a crucial aspect of their own personal identity. this is often the reason many people get a running tattoo.

however, it also has a potential social element. What better way to bond over a shared passion or communicate your love of running to a fellow athlete than by showing them a body illustration to prove it?

Like most other forms of tattooing, racing tattoos express a desire to outwardly show who you feel you are on the inside, or who you want to be.

Some people may worry about getting old and not being able to run like they used to, and those tattoos are no longer relevant. but die-hard fans of running tattoos will tell you that the intense desire and energy to run will always be there, no matter what.

running tattoos: recovery and aftercare

For anyone who hasn’t gotten a tattoo before, it’s worth knowing the importance of taking care of your new tattoo immediately afterward.

Here are some simple steps to ensure your new tattoo heals properly:

  • make sure your artist covers your new tattoo with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage
  • After 24 hours, remove this bandage and gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water. pat dry, do not rub hard.
  • apply a layer of antibacterial ointment twice a day.
  • Gently wash the tattoo area twice a day with soap and water, and when dry, reapply the antibacterial ointment.
  • After each cleansing, continue to apply a moisturizer or sensitive ointment to keep it moist.
  • Repeat this process for 2-4 weeks, during this time try to keep your tattoo out of the sun and avoid swimming or contact with boiling water.

follow the steps above and you should be fine. We also recommend checking out healthcare websites like healthline for more information on tattoo aftercare!

the 14 best running tattoo ideas

okay, time to get to the heart of the matter.

Whether you’re looking for something fun, something powerful, or something that’s deeply personal to you and your own journey, we’ve got you covered.

illustrations

Some of the best running tattoo ideas start with a simple illustration.

#1. corridor outlines

One of the most striking ways to transfer your passion for running onto your body is to get a simple black outline drawing of a runner tattooed.

Sleek and stylish, runner outline illustrations are a great choice for anyone who wants a nice, subtle tattoo that isn’t too bold or loud.

could be based on you, inspired by an icon, or based on a generic athletic pose. which brings us to. . .

The 14 Best Running Tattoo Ideas 1

#2. The Athenian

Who invented running? actually, it was no one in particular. running is a skill that humans have always had; however, one of the earliest known groups to formalize running as a sporting activity is the ancient Greeks.

athens was the site of the first olympic games, in 1896. so if you’re thinking of getting an illustration inspired by your favorite pastime, why not honor the mighty athenians who laid the basis for modern sport?

The famous athletic pose of discobolus could be an option, but there are many other Athenian figures you could take inspiration from.

#3. favorite places

Location is an important part of running, whether you’re working out at your local park, a nearby running track, or in a beautiful rural setting.

then why not get an illustration of one of your favorite places to run? it could be a map of that place or a sketch of what the area looks like on the ground; you decide.

running tattoos can help you anchor yourself even close to the things that matter to you. choosing a favorite spot as a design for your body art is guaranteed to do.

#4. “runner’s euphoria”

“The runner’s high” is a feeling of relaxation and energy that some people experience after a good run. It is an incredible feeling that is often attributed to a rush of endorphins, although some Scientists believe that it is actually caused by the release of endocannabinoids.

You may be surprised to learn that “runner’s high,” also known by the scientific term met-enkephalin, has its own molecular structure. and many people have decided that an illustration of this chemical structure is the perfect tattoo to express their love of running.

If you want to delve a little deeper into the science of running, this might be perfect for you.

#5. the tortoise and the hare

If you’re looking for something a little more original, a good idea might be to take inspiration from one of the most famous running stories ever told.

yes, we are talking about the old fable of the tortoise and the hare.

Show your commitment to the famous saying “slow and steady wins the race” by getting a racing tattoo based on the animals in the story!

quotes

Over the years, many words of wisdom have been said about putting one leg in front of the other.

If you want to be able to look at your body and find some motivation, why not get a powerful phrase tattooed?

#6. make the trip

“go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see.”

#7. you can do it

“When someone tells me I can’t do anything, I just don’t listen anymore”.

florence griffin, three-time Olympic gold medalist

#8. getting to work

“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.”

juma inkangaa, winner of the new york marathon in 1989

#9. live in the moment

“the always consists of nows”.

—emily dickinson

#10. don’t give up

“run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you have to; just never give up.”

dean karnazes, ultramarathon runner and author

facts and figures

Another popular theme when it comes to running tattoos is the inclusion of important facts, figures and numbers that relate to your own personal athletic journey.

#11. personal best

What better way to show how proud you are of your own hard work than by getting your personal best tattoo tattooed on your body?

It could be a 5k, a 10k, a marathon, a triathlon, whatever you want! Having that special number engraved on your skin that means something to you can be what drives you and reminds you of what you are capable of.

#12. important dates

every runner has to start somewhere. Do you remember your first race?

Whether your memory goes back to the early days or not, chances are you’ve hit some pretty significant milestones. when did you run your first half marathon? What date did you complete that special charity race?

This is a pretty well-trodden path, after all: many people have their children’s dates of birth or their marriage ceremonies on their bodies. if running is very important to you, it should be no different!

#13. 26.2

This is one of the most popular running tattoos out there.

That’s because 26.2 is a significant number for many long-distance runners. why? because it is the exact length of a marathon, in miles.

If you’ve completed a marathon and want to shout about it, “26.2” is a nice and easy figure to get tattooed and prove it.

#14. coordinates

Another good number based running tattoo idea is to engrave coordinates on your body that mean something to you.

Why not find out the coordinates of your favorite place to run and get them tattooed?

black and white tattoo being done.

Make Your Mark!

hopefully, that’s enough ideas to get you started!

Getting inked is a big step, especially if you haven’t done it before. so it’s totally understandable if you’re a little nervous about taking the plunge and getting a career tattoo.

However, making sure you choose something that is special to you and your own career journey will help ensure you have no regrets in the future.

Whether it’s coordinates, a personal record, a map or drawing of a location, or a quote from a famous figure, there are many ways you can translate your love of running into a beautiful piece of body art . .

If you’re someone who loves to carry your favorite activity into other aspects of your life (and let’s face it, you probably are), check out our article on 27 of the best jokes and puns .

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