Running is something most kids do every day. Whether it’s on the playground, in gym class, or racing a friend to the bus stop, running is a part of life. But have you ever tried to describe how someone runs? Sometimes, it helps to compare running to other things. That’s where similes come in.
A simile uses the words “like” or “as” to show how two things are similar. For example, we might say, “He runs like the wind,” to mean he runs really fast. In this article, you will learn different ways to talk about running by using similes. These will help you picture how someone moves, whether fast, slow, clumsy, or smooth. Let’s look at some fun and easy similes that make running more interesting to describe.
Similes About Running
1. Runs like the wind
Meaning: Runs very fast
Example Sentence:
• Tyler runs like the wind during soccer games.
• She ran like the wind to catch the ice cream truck.
Other ways to say: Runs super fast, quick as a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: This simile comes from how fast the wind moves.
Usage: Used to describe someone who runs very fast.
2. Runs like a turtle
Meaning: Runs very slowly
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a turtle during the mile run.
• I felt like a turtle running with my heavy backpack.
Other ways to say: Slow as molasses, like a snail
Fun Fact/Origin: Turtles are known for being very slow.
Usage: Used to describe someone running slowly.
3. Runs like a deer
Meaning: Runs fast and gracefully
Example Sentence:
• She runs like a deer across the field.
• He moved like a deer through the forest trail.
Other ways to say: Swift like a gazelle, light on their feet
Fun Fact/Origin: Deer are fast animals that move smoothly.
Usage: Used for people who run fast and quietly.
4. Runs like a robot
Meaning: Runs stiffly or awkwardly
Example Sentence:
• After sitting too long, I ran like a robot.
• He ran like a robot in his tight jeans.
Other ways to say: Stiff runner, like a machine
Fun Fact/Origin: Robots often move in jerky motions.
Usage: Used when someone runs without much flexibility.
5. Runs like lightning
Meaning: Runs extremely fast
Example Sentence:
• She ran like lightning down the track.
• The boy ran like lightning when recess started.
Other ways to say: Zoomed by, as fast as a spark
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning moves faster than anything we see.
Usage: Used for someone with great speed.
6. Runs like a cheetah
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a cheetah to win the race.
• She moved like a cheetah across the finish line.
Other ways to say: Fast as a rocket, quick as a snap
Fun Fact/Origin: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.
Usage: Used when someone runs very fast.
7. Runs like a chicken
Meaning: Runs in a silly or scared way
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a chicken when the ball flew at him.
• She ran like a chicken trying to dodge the water balloons.
Other ways to say: Scared runner, goofy steps
Fun Fact/Origin: Chickens flap and run wildly when frightened.
Usage: Used for funny or panicked running.
8. Runs like a cat
Meaning: Quiet and smooth running
Example Sentence:
• She ran like a cat, hardly making a sound.
• He sneaked across the yard like a cat.
Other ways to say: Quiet runner, smooth like silk
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats move softly and fast.
Usage: Used when someone runs lightly and silently.
9. Runs like a freight train
Meaning: Strong and hard running
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a freight train down the field.
• She charged forward like a freight train.
Other ways to say: Powerful runner, forceful like a bull
Fun Fact/Origin: Freight trains are large and unstoppable.
Usage: Used when someone runs with strength and speed.
10. Runs like a kangaroo
Meaning: Bouncy and energetic running
Example Sentence:
• The kids ran like kangaroos in gym class.
• He hopped around the yard like a kangaroo.
Other ways to say: Jumping runner, full of bounce
Fun Fact/Origin: Kangaroos hop instead of walk.
Usage: Used for energetic or playful running.
11. Runs like a scared mouse
Meaning: Small and fast, afraid
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a scared mouse when the dog barked.
• She ran like a mouse to hide behind the door.
Other ways to say: Tiny runner, quick and scared
Fun Fact/Origin: Mice run away fast when scared.
Usage: Used when someone runs in fear.
12. Runs like a clumsy bear
Meaning: Heavy and awkward running
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a clumsy bear during tag.
• She stomped like a bear through the yard.
Other ways to say: Stomping, clunky steps
Fun Fact/Origin: Bears are heavy and not quick movers.
Usage: Used for heavy, awkward runners.
13. Runs like a jet
Meaning: Super fast
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a jet on the track.
• She zoomed by like a jet.
Other ways to say: Like an airplane, fast as sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Jets fly at very high speeds.
Usage: Used for extremely fast running.
14. Runs like a rocket
Meaning: Takes off with great speed
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a rocket when the race started.
• She launched forward like a rocket.
Other ways to say: Fast start, blazing speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Rockets blast off quickly.
Usage: Used when someone starts running fast.
15. Runs like a wave
Meaning: Smooth and steady running
Example Sentence:
• Her running was like a wave on the beach.
• He moved like a wave down the sidewalk.
Other ways to say: Flowing motion, steady speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Waves move in a smooth, rolling motion.
Usage: Used for calm, steady runners.
16. Runs like a bouncy ball
Meaning: Quick and full of energy
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a bouncy ball all over the yard.
• She zipped around like a bouncy ball.
Other ways to say: Energetic, full of motion
Fun Fact/Origin: Bouncy balls move fast in all directions.
Usage: Used when kids run with high energy.
17. Runs like molasses in winter
Meaning: Very slow
Example Sentence:
• He ran like molasses in winter during the drill.
• She moved slower than molasses.
Other ways to say: Super slow, crawling
Fun Fact/Origin: Molasses flows even slower when cold.
Usage: Used to describe very slow running.
18. Runs like a firecracker
Meaning: Fast and loud, quick burst
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a firecracker right off the line.
• She took off like a firecracker when it was her turn.
Other ways to say: Quick burst, sharp start
Fun Fact/Origin: Firecrackers explode quickly and loudly.
Usage: Used when someone starts running very fast.
19. Runs like a marching band
Meaning: Rhythmic and steady
Example Sentence:
• They ran like a marching band in sync.
• She kept a steady pace like a drummer.
Other ways to say: On beat, in rhythm
Fun Fact/Origin: Bands march together with matching steps.
Usage: Used when runners are in a steady pattern.
20. Runs like a dog chasing a ball
Meaning: Fast and focused
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a dog chasing a ball—no stopping.
• She dashed like a dog after the soccer ball.
Other ways to say: Eager, chasing something
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs run with excitement when chasing toys.
Usage: Used for fast and excited running.
21. Runs like a leaf in the wind
Meaning: Moves quickly and changes direction
Example Sentence:
• She ran like a leaf in the wind, twisting around cones.
• He darted around like a leaf on a breezy day.
Other ways to say: Drifting, fast turns
Fun Fact/Origin: Leaves float and swirl in wind.
Usage: Used when someone moves quickly and changes direction.
22. Runs like popcorn popping
Meaning: Sudden, quick movements
Example Sentence:
• He ran like popcorn popping, full of jumps.
• She was all over the place like popcorn in a pan.
Other ways to say: Jumping around, bouncing fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Popcorn jumps when it pops.
Usage: Used for sudden, jumpy running.
23. Runs like a flash of light
Meaning: So fast it’s hard to see
Example Sentence:
• He was gone like a flash of light.
• She zipped past like lightning.
Other ways to say: Zoom, blink and gone
Fun Fact/Origin: Light travels faster than anything else.
Usage: Used for very quick runners.
24. Runs like a marching elephant
Meaning: Loud and strong running
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a marching elephant—everyone heard it.
• She stomped down the hallway like an elephant.
Other ways to say: Loud steps, heavy feet
Fun Fact/Origin: Elephants are big and their steps are loud.
Usage: Used for noisy, strong-footed running.
25. Runs like a jet ski on water
Meaning: Fast with sharp turns
Example Sentence:
• She moved like a jet ski, swerving on the trail.
• He ran like a jet ski during the obstacle course.
Other ways to say: Fast and twisty, smooth turns
Fun Fact/Origin: Jet skis move quickly and can turn fast.
Usage: Used for quick, sharp-turn running.
26. Runs like a kid after ice cream
Meaning: Fast and excited
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a kid chasing an ice cream truck.
• She bolted like a kid when she saw candy.
Other ways to say: Eager runner, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids often run with excitement for treats.
Usage: Used when someone runs with happiness.
27. Runs like a penguin
Meaning: Funny and waddly
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a penguin on ice.
• She shuffled like a penguin across the field.
Other ways to say: Waddling, funny steps
Fun Fact/Origin: Penguins waddle instead of walking smoothly.
Usage: Used for awkward or cute running.
28. Runs like a squirrel
Meaning: Fast and jerky
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a squirrel across the park.
• She dashed like a squirrel up the path.
Other ways to say: Quick bursts, darting
Fun Fact/Origin: Squirrels move fast and change directions quickly.
Usage: Used for fast and jumpy running.
29. Runs like a snowball downhill
Meaning: Starts slow, then speeds up
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a snowball picking up speed.
• She kept rolling faster like a snowball.
Other ways to say: Builds up, growing speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowballs roll faster as they go down a hill.
Usage: Used when running speed increases.
30. Runs like a buzzing bee
Meaning: Fast and always moving
Example Sentence:
• She ran like a buzzing bee all over the yard.
• He zipped around like a bee in a garden.
Other ways to say: Always on the move, nonstop
Fun Fact/Origin: Bees fly quickly and don’t stay still.
Usage: Used for non-stop, quick running.
31. Runs like a wet noodle
Meaning: Wobbly or weak running
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a wet noodle after gym class.
• She looked like a noodle trying to race.
Other ways to say: Wiggly, no strength
Fun Fact/Origin: Wet noodles are soft and floppy.
Usage: Used for weak or tired running.
32. Runs like a spinning top
Meaning: All over the place, turning fast
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a spinning top, never stopping.
• She twisted around like a top.
Other ways to say: Spinning, turning fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Spinning tops move fast in circles.
Usage: Used for dizzy, turning movement.
33. Runs like a wind-up toy
Meaning: Jerky and quick at first, then slows down
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a wind-up toy—fast, then slow.
• She zipped off like a toy and then ran out of energy.
Other ways to say: Starts quick, ends tired
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind-up toys start fast and slow down.
Usage: Used for short bursts of running.
34. Runs like a flame in the wind
Meaning: Fast and wild
Example Sentence:
• She ran like a flame blowing in the wind.
• He flickered across the field like fire.
Other ways to say: Wild steps, full of speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Flames can move quickly with wind.
Usage: Used for fast and wild motion.
35. Runs like a dash of pepper
Meaning: Quick and spicy
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a dash of pepper—quick and sharp.
• She ran with spice, like pepper on a hot dog.
Other ways to say: Sharp motion, quick spark
Fun Fact/Origin: Pepper adds a strong, fast flavor burst.
Usage: Used for small but fast movement.
36. Runs like a snake in the grass
Meaning: Smooth, twisty movement
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a snake around the cones.
• She slid through the path like a snake.
Other ways to say: Twisting runner, smooth curves
Fun Fact/Origin: Snakes slither with smooth curves.
Usage: Used for curvy, sneaky movement.
37. Runs like a jack-in-the-box
Meaning: Bounces suddenly
Example Sentence:
• He jumped up and ran like a jack-in-the-box.
• She popped up and dashed off.
Other ways to say: Sudden start, surprise run
Fun Fact/Origin: Jack-in-the-box toys pop out quickly.
Usage: Used when someone starts running fast out of nowhere.
38. Runs like a fish out of water
Meaning: Clumsy and not comfortable
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a fish out of water on the dry grass.
• She felt off, like a fish on land.
Other ways to say: Not smooth, uncomfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish can’t move well out of water.
Usage: Used for clumsy or awkward running.
39. Runs like a freight elevator
Meaning: Slow but steady
Example Sentence:
• He ran like a freight elevator—no rush, just moving.
• She kept her pace like an elevator.
Other ways to say: Steady, not quick
Fun Fact/Origin: Freight elevators move heavy loads slowly.
Usage: Used for steady but slow runners.
40. Runs like a scared cat
Meaning: Fast, nervous, and sudden
Example Sentence:
• She ran like a scared cat when the balloon popped.
• He jumped and ran like a frightened kitty.
Other ways to say: Fast and jumpy, sudden burst
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats bolt quickly when scared.
Usage: Used for sudden, nervous running.
Quiz: Similes About Running
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each simile. There is only one correct answer.
Question Key
1. What does “runs like the wind” mean?
A) Runs slowly in the rain
B) Runs very fast
C) Runs in a straight line
2. What does “runs like a turtle” mean?
A) Runs in circles
B) Runs fast and loud
C) Runs very slowly
3. What does “runs like a robot” mean?
A) Runs with stiff or awkward steps
B) Runs in the forest
C) Runs smoothly and quietly
4. If someone “runs like a cheetah,” what does that tell us?
A) They run with heavy steps
B) They run very fast
C) They run in a zigzag
5. What does “runs like a chicken” mean?
A) Runs in a funny or scared way
B) Runs gracefully
C) Runs while flying
6. If a runner is “like a freight train,” what are they doing?
A) Running quietly
B) Running with strong, steady steps
C) Spinning in place
7. What does “runs like a deer” mean?
A) Runs quickly and smoothly
B) Runs very slowly
C) Runs in the dark
8. If someone “runs like popcorn popping,” how do they move?
A) Slowly and carefully
B) Suddenly and with jumps
C) Smooth and quiet
9. What does “runs like a bouncy ball” mean?
A) Runs with energy and bounce
B) Runs in a straight line
C) Runs while crawling
10. What does “runs like a snowball downhill” mean?
A) Runs and slows down
B) Runs backward
C) Starts slow and speeds up
11. If a person “runs like a wet noodle,” how do they look?
A) Strong and fast
B) Wobbly and weak
C) Happy and smiling
12. What does “runs like a scared cat” mean?
A) Slow and careful
B) Fast and nervous
C) Calm and happy
13. What does it mean to “run like a jack-in-the-box”?
A) Starts running suddenly
B) Crawls slowly
C) Runs in circles
14. If someone “runs like a squirrel,” what are they doing?
A) Jumping and fast turns
B) Sleeping on the ground
C) Walking in a line
15. What does “runs like a fish out of water” mean?
A) Fast and strong
B) Clumsy and awkward
C) Quiet and graceful
Answer Key
- B) Runs very fast
- C) Runs very slowly
- A) Runs with stiff or awkward steps
- B) They run very fast
- A) Runs in a funny or scared way
- B) Running with strong, steady steps
- A) Runs quickly and smoothly
- B) Suddenly and with jumps
- A) Runs with energy and bounce
- C) Starts slow and speeds up
- B) Wobbly and weak
- B) Fast and nervous
- A) Starts running suddenly
- A) Jumping and fast turns
- B) Clumsy and awkward
Wrapping Up
Similes help make language fun and easy to picture. When you describe running with similes, it brings the action to life. You might say someone runs like a cheetah or like a penguin, and each one gives a different feeling. These similes help us share how someone runs—fast, slow, funny, or strong.
Keep these similes in mind when you write or speak. They can help you be clear and creative. Try using them when telling a story or writing a poem. It’s a simple way to make your ideas more colorful and fun.
