26.2 Bumper Sticker: What in the World Does it Mean?

So you recently drove down the road and looked at the car’s bumper in front of you. You saw an oval bumper sticker that displayed the number “26.2.”

Now you’re asking, “What does this 26.2 bumper sticker mean?”

I found myself in the same boat of confusion in 2012 when I saw various “13.1” bumper stickers on cars and trucks around Nashville, TN. What in the world did these numbers mean, and how were there so many people in this club?

Indeed, there wasn’t some mathematician collective ruling the streets of Nashville, correct?

If you’ve ever pondered the meaning of a 26.2 bumper sticker, this post will help you understand the meaning behind their elusive identity.

26.2 Bumper Sticker – What Does it Mean?

As it turns out, “26.2” is not a random number at all.

This number is the mileage of a long-distance race known as the marathon. If you don’t consider yourself a runner or you’ve never pulled back the curtain on the running world, this is likely new information for you.

It turns out that 26.2 is the number of miles to complete the marathon distance. The history of the 26.2-mile race dates back to the 1908 Olympic games in London.

Originally a 40-kilometer (24.86-mile) course, the British royal family called for a change to the marathon course, which led to the present-day 26.2-mile distance.

If you see a car with a 26.2 bumper sticker or magnet, this is a sign that the car’s driver has likely run a marathon. Some runners like to include bumper stickers that display their running distance accomplishments.

But wait, there’s more…

What Does a 42.2 Bumper Sticker Mean?

In addition to the 26.2 bumper sticker, you might have seen one with the number 42.2, and now you’re thinking, “Oh, they ran 42.2 miles.” Well, not exactly.

If you see 42.2 on a magnet, this is (most likely) still a person who ran a marathon.

What? You just said a marathon is 26.2 miles long.

Yes, this is true. However, according to metric measurements, the distance of a marathon is 42.2 kilometers, equivalent to 26.2 miles.

You’ll likely see this bumper sticker if you pass someone who lives in a country other than the U.S. or prefers the more significant number to seem excessively impressive.

If you’re a marathoner, you could double up and display a 26.2 and a 42.2 magnet. The more, the merrier, right?

13.1 Bumper Sticker Meaning

Regardless of your preferred running distance, there’s a bumper sticker, window cling, or magnet for your car! So, what does the 13.1 bumper sticker mean?

If you’ve completed a half marathon, use the 13.1 bumper sticker on your vehicle. If 26.2 miles is the distance of a marathon, then you can deduce that a 13.1 sticker is for the 13.1 miles of a half marathon.

This sticker I saw all around Nashville in 2012 confused me until I became a runner a year later.

I only signed up for my first half marathon to put that magnet on my car. A year and a half later, I was ecstatic to add a 26.2 bumper sticker alongside my 13.1 bumper sticker.

Other Bumper Stickers for Runners

So what do the “100” stickers on cars mean?

Well, these are bumper stickers for runners who’ve completed ultra marathons.

An ultra-marathon is any distance above 26.2 miles. In theory, you could see any array of numbers beyond 26.2 expressing that that person is an ultra-marathoner.

But if you happen to pass by a car with a bumper sticker displaying the number “100,” you may very well be in the presence of a person bold enough to run 100 miles or 100 kilometers in one race.

Isn’t that wild?!

You can find bumper stickers for runners who run 15ks, 10ks, and 5ks. There isn’t a limit on bumper stickers for runners. If there’s a distance you enjoy running, you’ll likely find a car bumper sticker to match.

Funny Bumper Stickers for Non-Runners

Of course, a person who isn’t all that into running doesn’t have to feel left out. Although you might not be able to get a “26.2” magnet or bumper sticker for your car, there are many great options for you.

3 Best Bumper Stickers for Non-Runners

Not into running but really into Oreo cookies? This 26.2 magnetic bumper sticker is just the accessory you need. You’ll get double takes from passers-by who must get closer to read the fine print.

Want to let the world know that you don’t run?

There’s a bumper sticker for that! Join the fun of running bumper stickers without all the running. That is what the “0.0” sticker means. Now that you understand a little about running distances, you can see the humor in this option.

For those who seek to get a laugh out of others, a solid option is this magnet that expresses your attempt at the race but that you surpassed the distance because you got a little lost.

This one is an excellent option for runners (who may have really gotten lost on the course) and non-runners alike.

3 of the Best 26.2 Car Bumper Stickers

There are a lot of options for 26.2 bumper stickers. You’ll find them at most running expos before race day, local running stores, and, of course, on the internet.

This classic 26.2 magnet says everything you want it to without being over the top. This is a fantastic, simple way to say, “Hey, world! I ran a marathon.”

If you’re looking for a window decal instead of a magnet, this 26.2 vinyl decal will be the perfect fit for your car’s rear windshield.

Do you run to the beat of your drum?

Then, you might want a bumper sticker that’s a little different from the norm. This 26.2 vinyl sticker from Michigan-based Nudge Printing will help you stand out while fitting in with the running crowd.

Final Thoughts: 26.2 Bumper Sticker – What Does it Mean?

Now you know all the details of the 26.2 bumper sticker you see on cars in your town. You might drive behind a runner if a bumper sticker has assorted numbers.

Are you looking to become a runner and earn your 26.2 bumper sticker? Did you know that you can run/walk an entire marathon?!