For runners, crossing a marathon’s finish line is a triumph of grit and dedication. But the medal they receive isn’t just a token—it’s a tangible celebration of their journey and a reflection of the race’s identity. As a medal manufacturer committed to crafting meaningful memorabilia, we explore how design innovation and practical functionality elevate marathon medals into timeless treasures. Let’s dissect the 2024 medals from three iconic Chinese races: the Xi’an Marathon, Chengdu Marathon, and Hengshui Lake Marathon.

1. Design: Where Heritage Meets Creativity

A medal’s visual impact is its first language.

• Xi’an Marathon 2024
     The 2024 Xi'an Marathon medal is linked by "flowers". The outer shell of the medal is the pattern of the prosperous Chang'an Baoxiang flower and the blooming pomegranate flowers. The pomegranate flowers are in full bloom, gathering in Chang'an, and traveling through thousands of years. The blooming flowers connect the history and future of Xi'an, witnessing the glory and prosperity of Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road! The medal is cleverly integrated with a trigger mechanism. Press the mechanism and the blooming Chang'an will appear in front of you. The upper flip of the inner shell of the medal is a passionate pomegranate flower, which incorporates iconic architectural elements such as the Olympic Sports Center. The lower flip of the inner shell of the medal is the starting point of the previous Xi'an Marathon, Yongning Gate, and the starting arch slowly rising from the plane, so that runners can "Dream back to Chang'an, Dream back to Xi'an Marathon" when they see this medal!
  

  
  
  
   

• Chengdu Marathon 2024
                                        The design of the 2024 Chengdu Marathon medal includes the word "Chengdu". The blooming hibiscus petals and the classic panda image are all cultural symbols of Chengdu. The combination of window grilles and eight-section golden bamboo elements, combined with the sun bird totem, makes the medal incorporate the heavy feeling of Chinese traditional culture, and also indirectly highlights the long-standing culture and profound heritage of Chengdu. The use of photochromic materials allows the medal to present different visual effects under different lighting conditions, and the front window design makes the medal more interactive and interesting. The semi-cylindrical three-dimensional relief and event relief increase the three-dimensional sense and artistry of the medal.
  

  
  
  
   

• Hengshui Lake Marathon 2024
                                        The design of the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon medal cleverly combines the tranquil beauty of Hengshui Lake with the elegant posture of lotus. The medal incorporates the unique blue-green tones of Hengshui Lake, which is not only a true depiction of the natural features of Hengshui Lake, but also implies purity and harmony, and conveys deep care and protection for the ecological environment. The clever use of blue-green tones gives the medal a flowing gem-like brilliance, as if reflecting the rippling and vibrant scene of Hengshui Lake in the breeze. The front of the medal is centered on a lotus blooming in the ecological Heng Lake, and is designed in a flip-cover style. When unfolded, the lotus leaves and lotus flowers complement each other, like a freehand painting on paper, vivid and lifelike. The lotus is cleverly designed as a detachable and rotatable magnetic decoration, like a graceful lotus emerging from the water, floating leisurely on the lake. The lotus base uses a design technique that combines three-dimensional relief and drip glue technology, incorporating natural elements such as lotus leaves and goldfish, and delicately depicts the stretch of lotus leaves and the leisurely posture of goldfish, presenting a vivid picture of the ecological Hengshui Lake, as if telling the harmony and beauty of nature. The design of the Hengshui Lake Marathon medal also combines the theme of the "Dreaming of Hengshui Lake, Personal Best Marathon", and cleverly embeds a digital roller component at the junction of the medal and the ribbon, allowing each runner to show his or her personal finishing results. This design not only gives the medal a unique commemorative significance, but also enables each finisher to permanently engrave the results and glory of his or her struggle on the medal, turning it into a unique memory and collection. The ingenious integration of the digital roller component and the Hengshui Marthon medal not only enhances the collection value of the medal, but also allows each participant to personally experience the glory and extraordinary journey they have written on the Hengshui Marathon track.
  

  
  
  
   

Key Insight: Medals that tell a visual story about their host city create deeper emotional resonance with runners.

2. Practicality: Beyond Aesthetics

A medal’s value endures when it serves a purpose beyond display.

• Ergonomic Engineering
  The Chengdu medal’s lightweight, rounded edges ensured comfort for post-race wear, while Xi’an’s heavier brass construction emphasized luxury. Both approaches succeeded by aligning with their event’s ethos—fun and accessibility vs. prestige.

• Sustainable Materials
  Chengdu’s use of recycled aluminum resonated with eco-conscious runners, a growing demographic in marathon communities. Meanwhile, Hengshui Lake’s resin-and-steel hybrid reduced material waste without compromising durability.

• Functional Features
  Modern medals are embracing dual roles:

  • Hengshui Lake’s detachable tag

  • Xi’an’s reversible design (flip to reveal a distance marker for 5K/10K races)

  • QR code integration (e.g., Chengdu’s scannable backplate linking to race photos)

Key Insight: Blending artistry with utility transforms medals from souvenirs into daily-use items, extending their lifespan.

3. The Emotional Currency of Medals

A medal’s true worth lies in its ability to evoke pride and nostalgia.

• Cultural Identity: Xi’an’s historical motifs connect runners to China’s rich past, while Chengdu’s whimsical design reflects its lively urban spirit.

• Personalization: Engraved finish times (offered optionally at Hengshui Lake) add a unique touch, making each medal feel bespoke.

• Collectibility: Limited editions, like Xi’an’s “Silk Road Series” (with annual variations), incentivize repeat participation.

Conclusion: Crafting Medals That Matter
The 2024 Xi’an, Chengdu, and Hengshui Lake medals exemplify how thoughtful design and smart engineering create value that lasts long after race day. For event organizers, partnering with a manufacturer that understands these nuances—cultural storytelling, material innovation, and functional creativity—is key to delivering medals that runners cherish.

At [Your Company Name], we specialize in turning concepts into heirloom-quality medals. From eco-friendly alloys to interactive tech integrations, let’s collaborate to design medals that don’t just commemorate races—they elevate them.

What’s the most innovative marathon medal you’ve seen? Tag us in your photos!