Best Marathon Medal: The Coolest Finisher Medals

by thebestworldevents.com 28 February 2024 · Running

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It’s all about the bling for many runners, which led me to wonder who really has the best marathon medals? Best half marathon medals and all the distances in between!

Running a marathon is a test of endurance, patience, and willpower. Receiving a finisher medal is one of the best parts of finishing a marathon.

These medals are a reminder of the distance you’ve covered and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Some marathons around the world offer unique and impressive medals, which runners choose based on the design and uniqueness.

Marathon medals come in all shapes and sizes, but some stand out as the best and represent some of the most popular marathons in the world.

Since I don’t race for the bling {though I do have some medals I love!}, I had to reach out to the RTTF community to find out what makes your eyes bulge and your wallets leap from your hands to sign up.

What Makes a Great Race Medal?

For runners, the finisher medal is a symbol of achievement that they proudly wear. But what makes a race medal stand out?

It turns out there are a few common denominators in race medals that get you very excited:

Size – Some medals are pretty big, while others are more standard size.
Uniqueness – After a few, we seem to be drawn to the medals that are completely out of the ordinary. Looks like an alien, whoop sign us up!
It spins! – I know the founders of the Miami marathon, and they were actually some of the first to ever do spinning medals. While they are more common now, they still have some of the best.
Emotions – Many of your favorite medals aren’t just about the shape or size, it’s about how that particular race made you feel or the memories.

Where possible below I have linked to someone’s actual race report, so you can find out more about the race to see if it’s about more than the bling, though you may not care!

Which Race Has the Best Medal?

I love how many of you will sign up for a race just because it has a cool medal! I admit that the Surf City Surf Board has definitely gotten my attention more than once and I’ll definitely be doing it.

1. Gasparilla Half/Marathon

When it comes to medal marathons, the Gasparilla Half/Marathon is a no-brainer! This race is known for its unique, pirate-themed finisher medal, which makes it one of the best medal marathons out there.

A medal with a skull and crossbones on it.

2. Seawheeze Half Marathon

Seawheeze Half Marathon is known for many things (think scenic locations, festivals, and Lululemon!), but their medals are also worth it! They come up with different designs each year, and it’s always fun to see what the new one is!

Four women posing for a photo with their Seawheeze medals.

3. Javelina 100K

If you love unique race medals, then the Javelina 100K is a race you’ve probably heard of. The iconic medal is definitely worth collecting, if you’re ready to run your first ultramarathon!

And it’s not just the medal’s design that makes it special, but also the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Or shoot, any ultra finish buckle is pretty awesome.

Javelina 100K 100 mile finisher medal. — Photo Credit: Will Run For Whisky

4. Diva Series Half Marathon

If you’re into all things pink, then the Diva Series Half Marathon medal has got to be on your list. This is definitely the most glam and fun race on the list with tiaras, tutus, and an incredible finisher medal.

A medal with a pink ribbon next to it. — Photo Credit: With Purpose and Kindness

5. Big Sur Marathon

Big Sur Marathon features hand-crafted pieces of clay that are come to be associated with this iconic race. They’re unique, stunning, and have been a hot commodity in the running community since they were first introduced more than three decades ago!

The designs change slightly but most often feature the iconic Bixby Bridge, which is definitely a symbol of achievement runners experience when they cross the finish line.

6. Bird in Hand

You’ll end up with a unique horseshoe finisher medal in this race! It’s designed to reflect the course and community, i.e., unique, hardworking, and a step back in time.

This race has one of the most iconic medals and if you’re looking for one to collect, this is a great option!

7. Hot Chocolate Races

Love chocolate? Then this race has your name written all over it! These chocolate-themed medals definitely ‘look good enough to eat!’

They come up with a different chocolate-themed design each year and I’ve not once come across a medal I didn’t want from them right away! Plus, the finish is so fun with chocolate!

8. Key West Half Marathon

After finishing the Key West Half marathon, you’ll end up with the coolest rooster-themed medal! The designs do tend to change but they’re always awesome and definitely one of the best finisher medals.

9. Mississippi Blues Half Marathon

I love this finisher medal! Each year, the design of the race medals changes, but they always incorporate elements of the Mississippi Blues culture.

They are usually shaped like a guitar or other musical instrument, and they often include intricate details related to the Blues music genre.

10. Beach Cities Challenge

These beach-themed medals look incredible! Really, this is a quadruple threat if you consider the 3 race medals alone, plus the challenge medal. They are all pretty awesome. {just another reason I need to live in Cali}

11. New Year’s Double

This is definitely one of the most unique marathon medals. It’s actually multiple medals that combine to form one and is one of my all-time favorites!

12. ING Miami Marathon

ING Miami Marathon was one of the first to do the spinning medals. The design changes every year and it is ALWAYS worth it.

13. Garmin Half Marathon

These also change every year and I’m always eagerly waiting to see what they came up with each year. They’re super fun, colorful, and one of the best ones if you want to collect some pretty bling.

14. Little Rock Marathon

Couldn’t accurately talk about this medal without giving you some perspective of size! Here is Too Tall Fritz post race.

One of My Favorite Race Medals

Nike Women’s Half Marathon – It might not be the biggest or craziest, but it’s Tiffany’s and it’s hand delivered by a handsome man in a tux…so yes it makes the list! The necklace changes each year and learned the hard way {myself} don’t wear while running it tarnishes.

Wahhhhh so many sad runners because Nike no longer does this race. I haven’t found another race doing anything quite like this yet…but come on someone will pick it up.