| Almost all marathons and half marathon event provide medals to their finishers. Other events such as 10k, 5 k, kid’s runs are increasingly providing medals. (The Vancouver
marathon has: marathon, half marathon, and 10k & 5k events) A large portion of running event support various charities, as they promote a healthy life style (charity runs,
run for cancer, breast cancer runs, prostate cancer runs)
The receipt of the medal placed around the neck at the finish is one of the reasons why runners are driven to run and to finish and achieve their objective... It is the
culmination of hard work, perseverance, pain, and elation when they receive the medal upon completion.
As we attend race expos at various marathons (Huntington Beach, L.A. marathon, Pasadena marathon, Redondo Beach, and run for the toad) we are reminded again and again of how
important it is to marathon runners both men, women & children to receive a custom medal to remember the experience by. So much so that race directors and organizers have in
the last few years become obsessed with providing unique custom medals that make the marathon & associated events stand out from the competition.
Make no mistake marathon and race event organizers are driven people who compete with each other to attract runners to their events. And a wonderful custom medal helps in
this endeavor, as runners belong to running clubs and they talk freely about their great experiences
The type and design of medals have undergone a transition over the last 10 years, going from basic antiqued medals with plain colored ribbons to larger shinier, full
colour with printed ribbons with graphics.
When it comes to age category and overall top winners they can be even more special such as a larger size, personalized with clear labels printed in black that fit into a
recessed back and look like they are printed for the recipient.
The stand up award medal which M&I developed for age category winners is particularly striking and special with the labels on the back and the front similar to the
finisher’s medals. Less expensive than a plaque and much more appreciated.
M&I has a design team that takes the logo of the event and marries it with other images such as a city landmark (which can be etched from a digital photo) or a major
sponsor’s logo. Incorporating these factors.
We provide black and white and color art for the race director or organizers to tweak to their requirements.
Depending on
the design, some elements will be raised in metal, and other areas recessed. Also photo etching of a landmark such as a building or bridge can be incorporated. The reverse side
can also be used for additional copy, sponsor information, or category winner at a nominal cost.
To set off the medal design, plain or printed ribbons can be used to compliment the design and colors of the medal. Further, Olympic style ribbon attachment can be
done with straight cut ribbon for a clean look.
Medals can be made domestically and off shore.
Reasons for producing domestically are: lower quantity, no epoxy colour, and plain ribbons. In most cases these types of medals will be less costly than off shore.
Also given he shorter lead times and lower shipping costs, domestic production is the choice of many events who do not know their quantities up until 2 weeks before an
event. Even at that late of a date, we can still make more medals in time for the event.
Reasons for going off shore would be: higher volumes, many epoxy colors, printed ribbons, prices for these types of event will generally be lower
We can assist you on this decision and will provide pricing and lead time for both alternatives.
Epoxy color has been increasingly popular with many event and we offer color matching and transparent colors (to replicate water for example).
We make the process for ordering medals and other products simple and pain free, by supplying artwork for your approval prior to making, so you can see what you are going to
receive.
Simply send your art file/design and describe what you think you would like and we will do a design. If you arent sure exactly what you want, don't worry, give us whatever
ideas you have and we can make up some alternative designs & sizes for your approval.
“If we can draw it” we can make it.
All things are possible with large & small sizes, plain ribbons, printed ribbons thicker medals, thinner medal, cut out to shape medals, medals with cut outs in center,
transparent colored sun catcher, see through medals, printed insert medals, spinner medals.
Pewter medal, zinc plated medals, dies struck medals, die cast medals, stainless steel medals, etched medals , hand finished and machine finished medals. Just ask and we
will advise the best way to do you design within your budget. |