What Are the Best Custom Medals?
What Are the Best Custom Medals? A Complete Guide for Events and Organisers
When it comes to rewarding achievement, few things are as symbolic as a medal. From school sports days to world-class marathons, medals are more than just tokens—they’re cherished reminders of effort, dedication, and accomplishment. But if you’re organising an event, a big question arises: what are the best custom medals to choose?
The “best” medal isn’t necessarily the most expensive or elaborate. It’s the one that aligns with your event’s purpose, budget, and values while leaving a lasting impression on participants. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of custom medals, their pros and cons, and how to decide which option is best for your event.
What Makes a Medal “The Best”?
Before we look at materials and styles, it’s worth defining what makes a medal stand out:
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Design Impact – A medal should look impressive, both in the hand and in photos.
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Durability – Recipients keep medals for years; quality matters.
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Customisation Options – Shapes, colours, finishes, and ribbons make your event unique.
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Affordability – The right medal balances quality with your budget.
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Sustainability – Increasingly important for events conscious of their environmental impact.
Popular Types of Custom Medals
1. Die-Cast Metal Medals
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Why they’re great: Highly versatile and durable. You can add 2D or 3D designs, custom shapes, and enamel colours.
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Best for: Road races, marathons, football tournaments, and large sporting events.
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Pros: Professional look, long-lasting, premium feel.
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Cons: Slightly more expensive and heavier to ship.
2. Stamped or Pressed Metal Medals
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Why they’re great: A more economical option compared to die-cast. Great for simpler designs.
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Best for: School sports days, community events, and mid-sized competitions.
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Pros: Affordable, strong.
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Cons: Less detail compared to die-cast or engraved options.
3. Wooden Medals
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Why they’re great: Eco-friendly, unique, and modern. Designs can be laser-engraved or cut into bespoke shapes.
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Best for: Trail runs, charity races, eco-conscious events.
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Pros: Lightweight, sustainable, standout appearance.
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Cons: Less “traditional” feel compared to metal medals.
4. Acrylic Medals
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Why they’re great: Colourful, creative, and cost-effective. They can be laser-cut and printed in full colour.
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Best for: Youth sports, fun runs, themed events.
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Pros: Bright designs, budget-friendly.
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Cons: Can scratch more easily; not as durable as metal.
5. Recycled or Eco Medals
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Why they’re great: Made from recycled metals, plastics, or sustainable composites. Perfect for events wanting a green reputation.
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Best for: Modern mass-participation races, eco-branded festivals, or schools promoting sustainability.
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Pros: Eco-friendly, positive message for branding.
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Cons: Limited design options compared to traditional metal.
6. Specialty Medals (Spinner, Glow, Puzzle Pieces, etc.)
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Why they’re great: Adds an element of fun and collectability. Examples include glow-in-the-dark paint, moving parts, or medals that interlock across a race series.
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Best for: Adventure races, obstacle courses, multi-race series.
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Pros: Memorable, buzz-worthy, and highly shareable on social media.
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Cons: Higher production cost, longer lead times.
Choosing the Best Medal for Your Event
Here’s how to match the right medal to your event type:
| Event Type | Best Medal Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| School Sports Day | Acrylic or pressed metal | Affordable, safe, colourful for kids |
| Local 5K / Fun Run | Acrylic or wooden | Fun, eco-friendly, lightweight |
| Half / Full Marathon | Die-cast metal with custom ribbon | Premium, long-lasting keepsake |
| Trail Race | Wooden or recycled metal | Reflects eco/nature values |
| Obstacle Course / Themed Race | Specialty medals (spinners, glow) | Adds excitement and uniqueness |
| Corporate Event | Die-cast with engraving | Professional, polished, brand-friendly |
Don’t Forget the Ribbon
The ribbon is often overlooked, but it completes the medal. Custom ribbons can feature your event name, date, or sponsor logos, and choosing colours that match your branding can elevate the look. Eco-friendly ribbon options, like recycled PET, are also increasingly available.
Final Thoughts
The best custom medal is one that celebrates achievement in a way that reflects your event’s identity. If you’re hosting a serious competition, a die-cast metal medal with a bold design might be best. For eco-friendly events, wooden or recycled medals send the right message. And for fun, community-based races, acrylic medals offer colour and creativity at a lower cost.
At the end of the day, a medal is more than an award—it’s a story. The best medals are those that participants are proud to hang around their necks, display at home, and remember for years to come.