FACTORY-DIRECT OEM / ODM MANUFACTURING
Custom Marathon Medals Made for Your Running Event
Gairun manufactures custom marathon medals for marathon, half-marathon and running event organizers. We turn race logos, event themes and early concepts into metal finisher medals with coordinated ribbons, finishes, colors and packaging.
For an accurate project review, send us your race identity, medal dimensions, artwork or concept, ribbon requirements, quantity, preferred finish, packaging, destination and required delivery date. Our 2D and 3D design team can provide a free artwork proof within 24 hours. Buyers who already have these details can request a project-specific quotation.
Define the Medal's Role in Your Race Program
A race medal should make the achievement clear at a glance. It may recognize general participation, completion of a set distance or a specific event category. The intended recipient affects the wording, visual hierarchy and number of designs needed.
A single event can use one medal for all finishers or separate designs for marathon and half-marathon distances. Other versions may be needed when the organizer wants different event years or participant groups shown on the medal. Identify each version early so its artwork, quantity and proof can be controlled separately.
If you are planning the full award and distribution program rather than only the medal specification, see our guidance for marathons and running events. Buyers comparing race medals with other medal structures can also review the main custom medals range.
Prepare the Race Artwork and Medal Specification
The production review starts with the information that must appear on the medal. Common content includes the race logo, event name, year, distance and sponsor marks. State what belongs on the front and back, and provide the intended medal dimensions, shape, wording and color references.
We accept vector artwork, PDFs and hand-drawn concepts. Our team can use these materials to prepare a free 2D or 3D artwork proof within 24 hours. The proof gives the buyer a visual record for checking the layout before mold work and sampling.
Your initial file package should identify:
Use the artwork and file preparation guide for more detail on vectors, PDFs, sketches and production notes.
01
Event name, year and race distance
02
Front and back artwork or written content
03
Medal dimensions and intended shape
04
Logo files, sponsor marks and exact text
05
Brand or event color references
06
Quantity required for each design
Match the Metal and Forming Method to the Design
The shape, artwork and surface design affect which material and forming route is suitable. Gairun works with zinc alloy, brass, iron, stainless steel and aluminum. Available forming processes include die-casting, stamping, photo etching and hydraulic relief.
Zinc alloy can be reviewed for die-cast shapes and dimensional medal concepts. Brass and iron can be considered for stamped or die-struck designs. Stainless steel, aluminum and photo-etched constructions are assessed according to the medal form and decoration requirements. The final route depends on the complete artwork rather than the material name alone.
Include a material preference if your event already has one. If it does not, send the target shape, dimensions and visual effect. Our engineering team can review the design and recommend a suitable production route without requiring the organizer to select a process first.
Choose Color and Finish for Clear Race Branding
Metal finish sets the base appearance of the medal, while enamel or printing carries event colors and graphic detail. The two decisions should be made together so logos, text and background areas remain clear.
| Visual goal | Options for review | Buyer consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Bright metal appearance | Gold, silver or nickel plating | Check how the selected tone works with the race colors and ribbon. |
| Dark or aged contrast | Black nickel, antique bronze or antique silver | Use the artwork proof to check the visibility of small text and recessed detail. |
| Two metal tones | Dual plating | Mark the intended finish areas clearly in the artwork. |
| Reduced surface shine | Sandblasting or matte finish | Identify which surfaces require the effect. |
| Colored artwork | Soft enamel or imitation hard enamel | Review color areas, metal borders and the intended surface appearance. |
| Printed graphic detail | Screen printing or UV printing | Provide clear artwork and color references for technical review. |
| Clear surface covering | Epoxy coating | Confirm where the coating is intended before production. |
There is no single finish that fits every custom race medal. A bright road-race identity, a dark trail event theme and an anniversary race may call for different surface treatments. The proof should show the relationship between bare metal, colored areas and printed details.
Coordinate the Medal with a Branded Race Ribbon
The ribbon is part of the finisher award, not a separate afterthought. Its base color, printed artwork and connection should support the same identity as the medal.
Specify the ribbon width and length, race branding, event date and sponsor marks. Show the order and orientation of repeated logos where relevant. The medal and ribbon artwork should be approved together so colors, names and dates remain consistent across both parts.
The connection point also needs production attention because medals are handled and worn during finish-line distribution. Our quality process can include pull testing at the medal-to-ribbon connection. Test requirements should be discussed with the order because no load rating is assumed from the artwork alone.
Plan Quantities and Design Versions by Distance
Start with the expected number of finishers for each distance or participant group. Add any contingency your organizing team considers suitable for registration changes, replacements or post-event needs. Gairun does not prescribe a universal contingency percentage because each event controls entries and distribution differently.
The regular minimum order quantity is 100 pieces per design. A 50-piece trial order may be supported for selected projects, subject to the product, design, process requirements and project review. Each distance, event year or changed design should be listed as a separate version in the RFQ so quantities, tooling and proofs can be assessed correctly.
For example, an order containing one marathon design and one half-marathon design should show the quantity for each. Do not combine both into one total without a version breakdown. This prevents uncertainty when the quotation and production records are prepared.
Select Packaging for Storage and Finish-Line Handling
Packaging should match the way the medals will be shipped, stored and handed to finishers. Standard anti-scratch packing supports basic surface protection. Individual OPP bags separate each medal, while bubble protection can add protection against contact and impact during handling.
Velvet boxes, paper display boxes and plastic display boxes are also available when the medal will be presented as a boxed award or commemorative item. These formats may be less practical for rapid finish-line handout, so consider the distribution workflow as well as appearance.
Tell us whether ribbons must be folded, arranged or packed with each medal. Packaging affects the final order scope and should be included in the quotation rather than selected after production. The broader custom metal products section shows where medals fit within Gairun’s award and promotional product range.
Approve the Proof, Sample and Production Checks
After the requirements are reviewed, we prepare the artwork proof for buyer approval. Custom sampling normally takes 7–10 working days. Standard bulk production normally takes 15–20 working days, and expedited production is supported. These are production terms, not a guaranteed arrival date. The event schedule, order details, approval timing, destination and shipping plan must be reviewed before timing is confirmed.
Quality control may include first-article comparison with the approved drawing, including size, thickness and relief detail. In-process checks cover burrs after forming, flatness after polishing, plating color and adhesion, and enamel overflow or missing color. Finished medals receive a 100% visual inspection for surface scratches and accessory security before shipment.
01
Requirement review
Confirm the design versions, dimensions, quantity, finish, ribbon and packaging.
02
Artwork approval
Check names, dates, distances, logos, colors and front-to-back layout.
03
Custom sampling
Review the physical result where a custom sample is part of the order path.
04
Bulk production
Begin production after the required commercial and design approvals.
05
Inspection
Complete the applicable in-process and final checks before shipment.
What to Include in Your Marathon Medal RFQ
A complete race brief allows our engineering and sales teams to review production requirements and prepare a project-specific quotation. Include the following information in one submission:
- Artwork, PDF or hand-drawn medal concept
- Event name, event date and race distance
- Separate design variants and quantity per design
- Medal dimensions and intended shape
- Preferred material or production process, if known
- Plating, enamel, print and surface finish requirements
- Ribbon dimensions, base color and printed content
- Protective or presentation packaging
- Delivery destination and required delivery date
Missing process details do not prevent an initial review. The artwork, intended appearance and event requirements give our team a basis for discussing the production route. The critical points are accurate content, a clear version breakdown and a realistic event schedule.