How to Display Race Medals: Ideas for Every Runner’s Style

Crossing the finish line after months of training is no small feat—and those medals you earn? They’re not just metal and ribbon; they’re tangible proof of your hard work, grit, and unforgettable memories. So, let’s stop tossing them in a shoe box and start turning your accomplishments into a proud race medal display that tells your story. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a Boston Marathon finisher, or training with your running coach, here’s how to display custom race medals in a way that fits your personal style.

🎖️ Medal Holders That Match Your Aesthetic

A good Medal Holder is the foundation of any great running medal hanger display. From minimalist designs to rustic wood finishes or vibrant metal cutouts, there’s something for everyone. Many wall medal hangers come with motivational quotes or custom engraving options. Brands like ChalkTalk Sports offer medal holders in different sizes, making them ideal for both newbies and runners with a lot of races under their belt.

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🖼️ Shadowboxes: A Stylish Way to Tell Your Story

A shadowbox is a timeless and elegant way to display race medals along with your race bibs, photos, or even race T-shirts. It’s perfect for preserving the vibe of an unforgettable race course, and you can easily find it at a local craft store or online with Amazon Prime. Arrange them in a timeline format or create a cool way to highlight medals from milestone events like your first 5K or a unique race.

🪧 Race Bib Holder & Run BibFOLIO Plus Race Bib Displays

Pair your medals with a Race Bib Holder like the Run BibFOLIO Plus Race Bib system, which allows you to organize and flip through your race history like a photo album. These Race Bib Boards Holder options are a best way to keep your events in order while eliminating clutter. Some come with built-in Display Cases or offer bundles with coordinating Running Medal Display options—many of them even offer free delivery or a free trial with select vendors.

🧲 Push Pins and Cork Boards: DIY Medal Display on a Budget

If you’re going for a DIY Medal Display, a cork board and some decorative enamel pins can be a great idea. Arrange your medals by date, distance, or event, and switch them out as needed. Want to elevate the look? Add photos or quotes from each run. These types of boards are functional, inexpensive, and customizable—especially great for kids’ cross-country events or family fun runs.

🏅 Creative Race Medal Display Ideas

For those with an artistic streak, a creative way to build a medal display is to turn your medals into home décor. Try hanging them from a repurposed ladder, creating a curtain of medals in your pain cave, or turning them into a wreath to hang during the holiday season—yes, even on the Christmas tree!

Or how about a race medal hanger shaped like a city skyline or the course route of your favorite run? That’s not just a display—it’s a conversation piece.

🖥️ Display Race Medal Online: Kudos Coaster Plus & Digital Keepsakes

Digital meets physical with tools like the Kudos Coaster Plus, a modern display that lets you scan a QR code to link to your race stats, photos, or videos. If you love Video Games or smart gadgets, this is a cool way to display race medals while staying high-tech.

🧩 Best Trophy Alternatives: Display Cases & Memory Boxes

If your medals feel like the best trophy you’ve earned, consider locking them into premium display cases. These are excellent for preserving old race medals or showcasing medals from legacy events. A memory box filled with medals, photos, and handwritten notes is a great gift for a training partner or even yourself.

🏷️ Sort by Event, Distance, or Location

A runner’s journey is personal. Using hangers or displays that let you sort by event or distance helps tell that story. You might Sort by marathons, 10Ks, or even by location—like your San Diego PR versus your hilly Denver half. Sorting makes your collection more than decorative—it becomes meaningful.

Bonus tip: Add a tag or label using custom lapel pins or a small plaque to remember the best part of each race.

🎁 Holiday Display Ideas: Medals on the Christmas Tree?

Yes, you read that right. Hanging medals from your Christmas tree is a festive and nostalgic way to relive those moments every year. It’s a great gift idea for runners and a fun focal point during the holidays. Use lightweight ribbon or clear custom ornament hooks to hang them next to that glittery star.

♻️ Sports Medal Recycling & Giving Back

Not every medal needs to be displayed. If you have old race medals collecting dust, consider sports medal recycling or donating them to organizations that repurpose them for charity races or kids’ events. It’s a wonderful way to give those memories new life while decluttering your space.

Final Thoughts: Running Medals Deserve the Spotlight

Your running medal hanger display should reflect your personality and running journey. Whether it’s a clean medal holder, an ornate shadowbox, a budget-friendly cork board, or an ultra-modern Kudos Coaster Plus, the best way to display your medals is the one that makes you feel proud every time you walk by.

And remember—those medals aren’t just bling. They’re proof of your progress, your perseverance, and your story.

If you’re looking for more display ideas and organizing tools or just want to share your DIY medal display, drop your email address below to subscribe to new posts, product updates, or upcoming race guides. If you are interested in custom racing medals for your next event, complete our request form and ask for samples of our work.

Bonus Tip: Check Amazon Prime for Great Deals

From medal display options to customizable Race Bib Holder solutions, Search Amazon and filter by Sorting by “top customer ratings” or “FREE delivery” to find deals. So, next time you finish a race, don’t toss your medal into a shoe box. Display it with pride. You’ve earned it!