You’ve nailed down your race theme, and now it’s time to think about the tangible reward for your runners: the finisher medal. Beyond the metal finish, another crucial decision awaits – the type of medal itself. This choice can significantly enhance the connection between your event and the participants’ achievement, turning a simple token into a cherished memento.
Just as the theme of your race guides your overall planning, it should also be the primary driver in selecting the most fitting medal type. Let’s explore some popular options and how they align with different event vibes:
1. For Recognition and Service: The “Dog Tag” Medal
When your event honors military personnel, civic servants, or carries a strong theme of recognition, the “dog tag” medal offers a powerful and symbolic choice. These medals evoke a sense of dedication and achievement.
- Design Options: While some dog tag medals stay true to the classic ball chain lanyard, offering a straightforward and authentic feel, others can be paired with custom, full-color ribbons. This allows for incorporating your race branding and design elements while retaining the iconic shape and meaning of the dog tag.
2. Celebrating Multiple Achievements: Medal Sets and Series
If your event spans multiple distances on the same day (think a 5k followed by a half-marathon) or if you’re planning a series of races over time, consider the impact of medal sets or a cohesive series.
- Medal Sets: Imagine runners who conquer both races on your event day receiving medals designed to interlock or be displayed together. This creates a unique reward that acknowledges their exceptional accomplishment and encourages participation in multiple aspects of your event.
- Medal Series: For races held annually or as part of a recurring series, designing medals that connect visually or thematically year after year fosters a sense of collection and ongoing engagement with your brand. Runners will be motivated to participate in future events to complete their set.
3. Functionality Meets Commemoration: Bottle Opener and Belt Buckle Medals
Many race directors are looking for ways to make their finisher medals even more memorable and practical. Functional medals like bottle openers and belt buckles offer a unique twist.
- Bottle Opener Medals: The bottle opener feature can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of medal designs. Whether it’s a subtle addition to the back or a prominent part of the overall shape, this adds a useful element that runners can utilize long after race day, keeping your event top-of-mind.
- Belt Buckle Medals: Traditionally awarded to finishers of challenging trail races and ultra-marathons, belt buckle medals signify a significant feat of endurance. These can be designed with a rugged aesthetic, featuring intricate metalwork and optional color fills to showcase your race logo or theme.
4. Material Matters: Expanding Your Options
Beyond traditional metal, the world of race medal materials offers exciting possibilities to match your event’s specific needs and target audience.
- Custom Shaped Wood Medals: For eco-conscious events or those with a natural, rustic theme, custom shaped wood medals provide a unique and sustainable alternative. They offer a warm, tactile feel and can be intricately engraved or even laser-cut.
- Lightweight PVC Medals: Perfect for children’s races or events where budget is a primary concern, PVC medals are lightweight, durable, and can be molded into virtually any shape and vibrant color.
5. Adding Movement and Flair: Special Feature Medals
To truly make your finisher medals stand out, consider incorporating special features that add an element of dynamism and visual interest.
- Dangles and Spinners: Medals with dangling charms or spinning elements catch the eye and provide a tactile experience. These features can be designed to reflect your race theme, such as a spinning globe for an international race or a dangling charm representing a local landmark.
Choosing the right “type” of race medal is a crucial step in creating a memorable and impactful experience for your participants. It’s an opportunity to align the physical reward with the spirit and theme of your event, turning a simple medal into a meaningful symbol of accomplishment.
At Running Awards and Apparel, we understand that the artistry behind each race medal is just as important as the material and type. Our talented team of designers works closely with race directors to bring their visions to life, crafting unique and meaningful awards that runners will be proud to wear and display. From initial concept to delivery, we’re dedicated to helping you create finisher medals that truly celebrate the achievements of your participants.