How to Draw a Runner (Easy Step by Step)
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A runner is a fun first action drawing because it is built from simple shapes: a big round head, a box for the shirt, ovals for the shoes, and a few bendy lines for the arms and legs. The speed lines on the side make the little runner look like it is really moving.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 11 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a runner step by step
How to Draw a Runner · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The round head
Draw a big round head shape that is a little wider than it is tall. Leave a small gap at the bottom so the neck area stays open.
Step 3: The headband
Draw a gently curved line across the head, a bit above the middle, from one side to the other. At the left end, add two short lines that stick out like the tails of a knot.
Step 4: A happy face
Add two small dots for eyes below the headband. Then draw a little curved smile between them, like a tiny bowl.
Step 5: The shirt
Under the head, draw a rounded box for the shirt with a slightly wavy left and right side and a curved line along the bottom. On the right side, let the line keep going straight down past the bottom to start the leg.
Step 6: The number square
In the middle of the shirt, draw a small square with rounded corners. This is the runner's race number.
Step 7: Arms and fists
On the left side of the shirt, draw a tall bean shape for the arm and fist. On the right side, draw a bendy sleeve line that goes up to a small round fist held high.
Step 8: The running shorts
Below the shirt, draw the shorts. Start from the left side of the shirt bottom, go straight down, then draw a long line across the bottom to the right.
Step 9: Two legs
Draw a short straight line down on the left for one leg, and a tiny line down in the middle between the legs. On the right, draw a curved hook that bends out to the side and then goes down for the other leg.
Step 10: Running shoes
At the bottom of each leg, draw a flat oval for a shoe. Let each leg end right on top of its oval.
Step 11: Sleeve and speed lines
Add a little bendy sleeve line on the left arm. Then, on the far left, draw three straight lines, one above the other, with the middle one a little longer. They show the runner zooming along.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your runner? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a carpenter or how to draw a barber next.
Tips for drawing a runner
- Draw the head first and keep it light. The headband is easier to place once you have the whole head shape to follow.
- The bent leg on the right is the trickiest part. Think of it as a hook that goes out to the side first and then down to the shoe.
- Draw the speed lines last, and keep them level and evenly spaced so they look neat.
Free runner coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this runner coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your runner drawing
Try a bright headband and matching shoes, with a shirt in a different bold color, and a skin tone of your choice for the head. For a creative twist, color the speed lines in rainbow colors so the runner leaves a trail behind.
Runner fun fact for kids
Many races give runners a paper number, called a bib, to pin on the front of their shirt, so officials and fans can tell who is who as they run past.
Questions about drawing a runner
What shapes do I need to draw a runner?
You need a big round head, a rounded box for the shirt, a small square for the number, a box for the shorts, and two ovals for the shoes. The rest is just curved lines.
How do I make my runner look like it is moving?
Add the speed lines beside the runner and bend one leg out to the side. Holding a fist up high also makes the pose look lively.
How do I make my runner look cuter?
Keep the eyes small and set them a bit far apart, and give a happy smile. A larger head compared to the body also makes the runner look cute.
