Running Race & Fun Run Medals: An Organiser's Guide

Finisher medals vs winner awards

Most races need two types of award. Finisher medals go to everyone who crosses the line. Winner awards, usually trophies or larger medals, go to the fastest runners overall and in each category.

Keep the two clearly different. A finisher medal is about participation and achievement, while a category winner should receive something that looks and feels more special, such as a running trophy, a cup or a larger gold medal.

Some events also add a third type: junior medals for a children's race held alongside the main event. A smaller medal on a brightly coloured ribbon is ideal, and it's worth ordering these as part of the same order to reach a better discount level.

Choosing a running medal design

• Running-specific medals – designs featuring a runner or running shoe make the event obvious at a glance.
• Generic medals with a centre disc – flexible and often more affordable, with a running centre or your event logo.
• Bespoke medals – a custom shape or design with your logo, ideal for annual races that want a collectable series.
• Finish – gold is the classic finisher colour, while gold, silver and bronze suit placed results.

How many medals should you order?

Base your order on your maximum entry cap, not just the number signed up when you place the order. Add a buffer for on-the-day entries, marshals or volunteers who receive a medal, and the occasional medal that goes missing.

For a fun run capped at 300 entries, for example, you might order 300 finisher medals plus 15–30 spares. Unengraved or identically engraved spares can often be used for a future event or given to volunteers.

Running out of medals at the finish line is the one mistake runners won't forgive, so err on the side of a few too many. Late finishers, often first-timers who found the course hardest, deserve their medal just as much as the winner.

Winner categories to plan for

• Overall winners – first, second and third male and female.
• Age categories – for example under-18, senior, V40, V50, V60 and over.
• Team prizes – fastest club team or fastest corporate team.
• Fun categories – best fancy dress, youngest finisher or the team that raised the most for charity.

Wording and engraving for race medals

For finisher medals, identical engraving keeps things simple. Use the event name and year, such as Harbour 10K 2026 or Castle Fun Run 2026. Some races add Finisher underneath.

Winner trophies can be engraved after the race if you're collecting them from us, or you can order plates engraved with the category, such as 1st Female V40, and add the runner's name later. Check the engraving lines and characters per line on each product listing before you finalise wording.

If your race supports a charity, consider adding its name to the medal engraving, for example Castle Fun Run 2026 – in aid of the local hospice. It reminds runners why they took part every time they see the medal, and charities often share photos of medals on their own channels, which helps promote next year's event.

Race day medal logistics

Medals arriving on time is only half the battle. On race day, the finish area gets busy quickly, and a little planning keeps the medal handout smooth and friendly.

• Unpack medals the day before and untangle ribbons so volunteers can hand them out quickly.
• Hang medals over a rail or table edge near the finish funnel, not in boxes on the floor.
• Brief two or three volunteers to do nothing but hand out medals and congratulate finishers.
• Keep winner trophies separate, labelled by category, ready for the presentation.
• Hold a few medals back for runners who finish after the main rush, including the tail walker's group.

Budget and lead times

Medals on our site range from £1.25 to £9.75, with a typical medal around £2 before discount. Progressive discounts apply at roughly 25, 50 and 100+ items, so a race of a few hundred runners benefits significantly. If entry fees fund the medals, building the medal cost into your fee per runner keeps the budget clear.

Larger bulk orders typically take 10–14 working days, confirmed with your quote, and custom medals need longer. Order as soon as your entry cap and branding are confirmed. Send us your numbers and date on WhatsApp for a free quote.

Kyle M. summed up what organisers need most: “Good quality trophies and medals for tournaments and my order arrived perfectly on time.”