There may be times when Race directors have an abundance of race medals on their hands and they are not sure what do to with them.
We’ve investigated this situation for our customers and, luckily, there are some forward-thinking and altruistic organizations out there who can help! Here are a few we recommend:
Medals 4 Mettle – Offering a Message of Compassion to Children and Young Adults
Since 2005, the non-profit organization, Medals 4 Metal, has awarded more than 60,000 leftover race medals to children and young adults who are battling life-threatening illness. These medals have been donated by runners and by race organizations with the knowledge they will be used to help reduce the stress and depression that can be brought on by such illness.
The donated medals are typically rehung on new ribbons by M4M to showcase the non-profit’s brand and the events that they host.
To receive these coveted medals, recipients are paired with able-bodied athletes who compete in specified running events where they earn the donated race medals as finishers. Those athletes co-host a ceremony with M4M at which these medals are then presented to the children or young adults with whom they have been paired.
Sports Medal Recycling – a Complete Recycling Program
Created by a group of athletes in 2016, Sports Medal Recycling has recycled nearly 500 tons of medal material (note: there are exclusions on what can be recycled). Not only is the metal from the race medals recycled, but this organization also sends ribbons in for textile recycling as well as the cardboard packaging and the plastic bubble-wrap they came in.
All proceeds made from Sports Medal Recycling’s efforts are used to make donations to, or to participate in, non-profit races or other athletic fundraising events in the U.S.
Get Creative with Those Surplus Race Medals
One of our favorite uses for leftover medals is hosting an event that features a medley of surplus race swag for participants. One such event is the Leftover Run in Dublin, OH that was held in November of 2019. This concept includes letting runners take their pick of leftover race shirts upon arrival and then letting them choose from a mix of race medals upon finishing. The proceeds from this fun event all go to the local Goodwill. What a great idea!
Look Locally for Groups Who Can Use Your Extra Swag
At Running Awards & Apparel, we too end up with extra medals around the building as we receive an abundance of samples from our vendors throughout the year. Our team has found local youth organizations who make good use of the medals by awarding them to disadvantaged kids or teams. We’re sure there are groups in your local area, too, who would be happy to receive a bundle of extra swag to help build esteem and encourage healthy endeavors. All you need to do is ask!