Best Running Swag Ideas for Your Race
Choosing the right running swag will make your race unforgettable. 5K medal by GS-JJ.
By Marnie Kunz
Post Sponsored by GS-JJ
If you’re looking for the best running swag ideas for your next race, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want a wildly creative finisher’s medal for a 5K, branded running gear, or a custom marathon winner’s prize, there are so many great race medals and running swag options. If you‘re not sure how to get started, don’t worry - we will go over all the options here to help you find the best race swag to make your event unforgettable.
You can customize your race medals to make your running event unforgettable.
When I created custom medals for some of our Runstreet Fitness Challenges, I got overwhelmed. Who knew there were so many ribbon colors, medal types, shapes, and size options? But with more research (and trial and error), I was able to simplify the task of finding the best running medals. I’ve gathered my findings here to help you create the best running swag for your next race.
Race Medals
Race medals offer the best chance to commemorate your event for all participants. Unlike trophies, medals are small and convenient and you can buy them in bulk so every finisher gets a medal. There are almost as many race medal options as there are races. The good news is many companies that offer race medals also have design services to help you create the best running medals for your event. GS-JJ, for instance, offers a free design service for all customers. Once you have your event design, you’re ready to create the best race medals for your event.
When you get customized race medals, you will have many choices. Here are the main options to consider:
Medal material. Do you want a bold, shiny gold medal for your race or a vintage-looking silver? There are many options, ranging from bronze to gold and silver, with antique finishes or shiny, modern-looking finishes. Choose the medal material that suits your race theme and aesthetic. You’ll also be able to choose what colors you want for a custom medal, and keep in mind your price will probably go up with each color you add on.
Medal size. Race medals usually range in size from 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) for larger medals, with most races choosing a size somewhere in the middle, between 2 and 3 inches. When choosing your running medal size, consider how much information you will need to be printed on the medal. If you have a lot to put on the medal or if you have a large-scale event, consider larger medal sizes. For smaller races and events with simple logos or less writing, choose a smaller medal size.
Ribbons make a big difference in completing your race swag. You will want to get a ribbon size that suits your medal, with wider ribbons anchoring larger race medals. Once you have your ribbon size, you will need to pick a color. Ribbon color options usually range from solid colors to mixed-colored ribbons to gradient colors and custom-designed ribbons. Ribbon materials vary too, with polyester ribbons offering a budget-friendly option, while woven ribbons are heavier, more durable, and more expensive. When you choose your race medal ribbons, consider your budget and medal design. If you have a brightly colored medal, for instance, a rainbow ribbon will make it really pop.
Special features include glitter, spinner medals, bottle opener medals, soft enamel medals, glow-in-the-dark medals, and 3-D medals. If you have the budget and want your running swag to really stand out, go for one of these customized medal features. When considering medal features, look for a feature that will make the biggest difference in the overall look and quality of your medal, and go with that.
Whether you’re planning your first 5K race or your tenth annual marathon, choosing the right race medals will make your event stay top of mind for runners year after year.
Types of Running Swag
Running swag can range from custom lip balm to 5K medals. Here are some options to consider when you are looking for prizes and goody bag ideas for your next race:
A unique customized 5K medal will draw more runners to your race.
Personal care items include sunscreen, lip balm, lotion, deodorant, anti-chafing sports sticks, and glitter. You can make a statement and stand out from the crowd by getting a custom label or custom branding on your personal care items.
Accessories include bags, towels, hair ties, hats, visors, wristbands, sunglasses, keychains, lanyards, mugs, wine glasses, beer mugs, and water bottles. Many people get race shirts but not many get commemorative mugs or water bottles. Choosing a functional accessory that your runners will be able to use for years to come is a great way to create a lasting memory. Put the name of your running event on the accessories and you won’t be forgotten.
Medals include 5K race medals, 10K race medals, custom race medals, half marathon medals, marathon medals, fitness challenge medals, and winner’s commemorative race medals. Medals are still the most popular race prize, and for good reason - runners love medals! I know a lot of runners who pick their races based on how much they like the medals. Themed runs with creative medals and big races with impressively ornate medals offer plenty of incentives for runners. Create your own unique custom medals and your race will be sure to draw a good crowd year after year.
Food and snacks include sports drinks, running fuel, healthy snack bars, fruit, and even beer. Choose food or beverages that go well with your event. If you are organizing a charity 5K, for instance, some bananas and sports drinks may be perfect. If you’re organizing a beer run or obstacle race, on the other hand, you may want to offer a beer ticket to each (adult) participant. A marathon should serve up extra nourishment like bagels or sports nutrition bars.
Running clothing includes race t-shirts, tank tops, socks, running shorts, and even running shoes. People can be picky about their clothing and their tastes vary a lot so if you decide to have clothing at your running event, think about your participants and what designs, fabrics, and styles would appeal to them. Choose popular shirt colors like black or white and be sure to opt for moisture-wicking materials so your runners can get plenty of use out of their race shirts. A creative custom event logo can make or break your shirts, so be sure to put enough energy into your event logo design.
I hope this guide helps you create the best running swag for your next race. Have a race you’re organizing? Comment below and let us know.😊
Related Posts: How to Train for a 10K, Marathon Training Guide for All Levels, 5 Speed Workouts for 5K Success
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.
