Owned and Managed by Runners

Your One-Stop Shop for Race Merchandise

Over 30 years ago, Gary Tinker started Awarding You, a company focused on recognizing corporate accomplishments through personalized award products. While building and growing this now nationally renowned company, Gary maintained a commitment to his true passion, ultra running.

Tinker eventually merged these two worlds into a second company, and Running Awards and Apparel was born and has now been serving the running community for over 25 years. Our company specializes in designing and manufacturing custom race medals, race awards, branded race apparel, and customized running hats for races across the United States. Our involvement as runners and enthusiasts in this community helps us to stay up to date with the latest industry trends. Our race products have unmatched quality and creative flare that can help set running events apart from others and keep runners coming back each year.

Gary Tinker

Gary Tinker, Company CEO and Ultra Runner

A Little About the Team

Kate Boughner

Kate Boughner wears many hats during the day. As a young mom to her daughter, as a dedicated race consultant to running events across the U.S., and as an avid runner herself. Kate’s knowledge of the running event world extends to her customers as she takes the time to learn all about event histories and about individual race directors’ hopes and dreams. Kate and her husband, Jamie, recently earned finisher medals at the 2023 Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon.

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Kathy Muehlbauer

With years of racing and collecting swag under her belt, Kathy Muehlbauer knows exactly what runners crave when they sign up for races. Kathy is a wife, a dedicated boy-mom, and an indoor cycling instructor. She ran her first marathon in 1998 and ventured into ultras back when they were still a novel concept. With over 50 ultra races completed, including the100-miler, Kathy remains committed to tackling a few each year. Kathy is here to ensure that each customer’s race is an unforgettable experience.

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Matt Wilhite

Matt Wilhite hails from a track and field coaching background, and when he’s not in the office, he still finds time to work with kids from his Alma Mater in Chicago. His love for running extends to his work here at Running Awards & Apparel, where he offers confident advice to his customers to help them pull off exceptional races of all types. Matt himself is an avid runner, and recently finished the Dick Pond Summer Trail Classic 15.5 Mile Trail Race in Cook County, Illinois.

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