Good vibes on the sidelines go a long way on 5K Celebration day.
If you’ve ever attended a Girls on the Run 5K, you can agree that hand-made signs add a personal, heartfelt, yet highly entertaining touch to the event. Whether the sign features a motivational quote or lyrics from a history-making hit-maker, these messages create an environment where girls can laugh, play, and feel comfortable being themselves.
Funny signs spark a giggle and calm nerves. Inspiring messages remind girls of their strength. And sometimes the “sign” is a shout-out or verbal Energy Award that helps girls to remember their happy pace and the positive self-talk they learned through Girls on the Run.
Completing a 5K is a significant moment for girls, and the encouragement they see and hear along the course can stay with them long after the big day. The signs and support they saw on the course become a powerful reminder that their potential is limitless and that their community is actively rooting for them.
Feel the love as we reflect on these 30 signs that lit up the courses at recent GOTR 5K Celebrations!
Girls on the Run Lancaster-Lebanon
“I’m in My 5K Era”
Every Swiftie on the course DEFINITELY cheered (and shook off any nerves) at the sight of this all-star sign.
“Corn-gratulations!”
A fun and pun-filled sign with a matching costume?! This sideline supporter is anything but corny—she’s a Star Sparkler!
A Wall of Encouragement
This cheer squad had it all! Hot dog costumes, sparkly pom-poms, and fun messages, including “You don’t sweat, you sparkle,” “Slay the race,” “Every step makes you stronger,” this group was prepared to spark joy at the GOTR 5K.
Girls on the Run New Jersey East
“Too Fast. Too Fierce. Too Fabulous.”
Gorgeous colors and powerful words came together in a sign that reminded participants that every pace shines and deserves a crown!
“Go Kendall”
Covered in stickers, affirmations, and love, this sign showed how special shout-outs and personal touches can make a 5K participant feel supported from start to finish.
A Team of Believers
Smiles, connection, and shared pride filled the park as this team came together with an incredible collection of signs with one-of-a-kind messages.
“You’re So Fast—Let’s Go, Nina!”
Handwritten and heartfelt with every doodle and line, this sign reassured Nina (and all GOTR girls) of her strength and that she can achieve her goal!
“Go Girls Go”
In big, beaming font with a gold medal draped on top, this uplifting sign is exactly what you’d want to see as you head toward the final stretch!
“In My Running Era” “You Got This Girl”
With Swiftie-approved flair and bold belief, these signs turned the course into a confidence anthem—informing every girl that she’s got this, right now, and every mile ahead.
Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin
“Smile If You Just Ran 5K”
Resting after just crossing the finish line, this GOTR girl holds up a sign that celebrates her hard work paying off! Awesome job, Superstar!
Three Encouraging Messages
Three celebrations all at once? That earns three Energy Awards in our book! This supporter reminded girls to go at their happy pace while thanking coaches for their dedication and shouting out a special team!
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio
“Slap Here for Star Power” “Run Like Your iPad is Dying”
Star Power activation zone sighting! This sign encouraged girls to tap into their Star Power and embrace it as they pursue the finish line. The sign next to it went in a more comedic route, challenging girls to run as if their favorite device was on 1%!
Girls on the Run Indiana Crossroads
“In the Clurb We All Run”
We have no doubt this fantastic reference sparkled countless smiles and chuckles on the course. Creating laughter and feelings of belonging? YAS QUEEN!
Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts
Three Awesome Messages
So much motivation in one photo, where do we begin? The beaming colors in Jaeliany’s shout-out, along with the energy of “This Girl is on fire, she’s running on fire,” and “When your legs feel tired, run with your heart,” messages created an inspiring sight for every participant.
“Let’s Go Sinclair!”
With every carefully placed sticker and gemstone, this custom sign radiates pure love and support. We know Sinclair will remember this shining sign for years to come!
Girls on the Run Southeastern Suburban PA
“Run Like Taylor Swift is at the Finish Line”
We are confident this message put PLENTY of pep into Swifties’ steps!
Photo credit: @mariecole_photo
“Go Emily” “Your RUNderful”
Pairing a sign with fun wordplay with a big, bold personalized shout-out?! Powerful! Way to tag-team this GOTR girl celebration, guys!
Photo credit: @mariecole_photo
Girls on the Run Minnesota
“Extra Star Power – Tap Here!”
Decked out in glitter and smiles, this supporter offered runners a tap-in boost—proof that kindness can shine just as brightly as a gold star.
“Let’s Go, Elizabeth, You Can Do It!”
We don’t know what’s more encouraging — this sideline supporter’s kind smile or her cheerful, celebratory sign! Both warm our hearts!
“You Inspire Me”
These GOTR supporters receive MAJOR Energy Awards for innovation — wow! Their creativity resulted in a heartwarming display that undoubtedly brought participants joy. Consider US inspired!
“Fast like a Tiger” “You’re Awesome, Faster Than a Possum”
Animal signs showed up strong and kept girls on the move at this 5K!
Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte
“Tap Here to Power Up”
Playfully nodding to video-game magic, these supporters offered runners an instant boost, no batteries required!
Girls on the Run Maine
“Slay the 5K!”
With glitter, good vibes, and boundless energy, this cheer squad brought bundles of joy and support on 5K day.
“Everlee, You Rock!”
A+ on drawing, A++ on the heart! This young sideline supporter ROCKED the assignment with her great message and even greater smile.
“Just Keep Running”
Finding Nemo mantras and heartfelt encouragement reminded participants (including Klassy Kaisley!) that a steady, confident effort can carry them all the way forward.
A Lineup of Love
From “Be Strong, Brave, Fearless” to “You Rock, Vanessa,” this group showed how a community’s words (and drawings!) can lift spirits and fuel every mile.
Girls on the Run Central Iowa
“Go My Dad, Go My Sister, Have Fun!”
This future GOTR girl enthusiastically cheered her dad and sister on with a bold, can’t-miss sign and noisemaker!
Girls on the Run Greater Knoxville
Personal Cheers, Powerful Fuel
Handmade signs with sweet shout-outs transformed this stretch of the course into a reminder that 5K participants are not alone in their pursuit — their loved ones are with them all the way!
Girls on the Run Ottawa
“Proud Dad!”
Proud GOTR dad in the house! With arms raised and joy on full display, this sideline supporter helped turn a 5K moment into a lifelong memory his Superstar will always remember.
Girls on the Run Piedmont
“Go Sissy! Go Juliette!
The sign might’ve been upside down, but the heart and intention were 100% right! The sweet message was clear to see from any angle. Juliette is lucky to have such a supportive sister!
Interested in signing your girl up for a season of fun transformation that culminates in a joyful 5K? Find a council near you!
Want to keep the 5K joy going? Check out more GOTR 5K blog content here!
