Frequently Asked Questions

You can send whatever you already have. Some helpful starting points include:

• Race logo
• Event name
• Race date
• Race distance
• Previous medal photo
• Race T-shirt design
• Sponsor logos
• Rough sketch
• Event flyer
• Registration page
• City landmark
• School mascot
• Charity/cause theme
• Photo of a medal style you like
• Notes from your race committee

You do not need all of these. Even one or two items can help.

For early discussion, a JPG, PNG, screenshot, or photo is fine. If you already have a finished design and want us to prepare a race medal mock-up, vector artwork is preferred in AI, EPS, or PDF format.

A race logo is a good starting point. It gives us a reference for the event name, color direction, theme, and overall style. From there, we can discuss how the logo might work on a medal, whether the design needs to be simplified, and how the ribbon or race T-shirt can match the same look.

If your logo is low resolution, still send it. A JPG, PNG, or screenshot can help us understand the direction. For final production, cleaner artwork may be needed, especially if the logo has small details, thin lines, or text.

If you have vector artwork, send that too. Vector files are usually best for production because they can be scaled and adjusted more cleanly.

That is common. Some race organizers start with a simple idea like:

• “We want to use our city skyline.”
• “We want the medal to include a police badge.”
• “We want something with our school mascot.”
• “We want the medal to match our T-shirt.”
• “We want to show a water tower or local landmark.”
• “We want something for a memorial run.”
• “We want something that represents our charity.”

MSH Medals has created custom medals from rough ideas, including badges, buildings, skylines, scenery, water towers, custom shapes, people, characters, and race themes.

Depending on the design, we may suggest a raised 3D medal effect or UV printing for more photographic images. The right approach depends on the look you want and how the artwork needs to appear on the finished medal.

Yes. Examples are helpful. If you see a medal online and like the shape, send it to us. If you like the coloring of another medal, send that too. If you like the ribbon style from a different event, include that as well.

We use those examples to understand your preferred style, not to directly copy another race’s medal.

The goal is to take the direction, shape, color, or design elements you like and create a medal that is custom for your own race.

If your race has been held before, you can send us a photo of last year’s medal.

We can use it as a starting point and help update or enhance the design for the current year. This is useful if you want the medal to feel connected to previous years but still look fresh for returning runners.

You can also send photos of medals from a race series if you want this year’s medal to fit into a larger collection.

A race T-shirt design can often help guide the medal design. If you already worked with a designer on the shirt, send us the shirt artwork. We may be able to simplify the design into a medal-friendly layout.

Medal artwork is different from shirt artwork. A design that works well printed on fabric may need to be adjusted for metal, plating, color fill, size, and raised or recessed details.

We can also help create a cohesive look between the medal, ribbon, and race shirt. They do not need to look exactly the same, but they should feel like they belong to the same event.

If Pantone/PMS colors are available from the shirt artwork, we can use those color callouts to help match the medal, ribbon, and shirt color theme.

Yes, however sponsor logos are a common reason race medal artwork gets delayed. If you know sponsor logos are coming but they are not ready yet, tell us early. In some cases, we can leave space for them in the design.

Where the sponsor logo goes matters. Some common logo placements are:

• Front of the medal
• Back of the medal
• Ribbon
• Front of the race shirt
• Back of the race shirt

There is no single right answer. It depends on your sponsor commitments, design layout, timeline, and how many logos need to be included.

Sponsor logos are usually faster and easier to add to the ribbon than to the die-cast medal. More sponsor logos can usually fit on the ribbon or shirt than on the medal itself.

If sponsor logos are going on the medal, they need to be confirmed before the mold is created. If a sponsor logo comes in too late for the medal, it may still be possible to include it on the shirt because shirts usually have a shorter production timeline.

The best approach is to give sponsors a firm cutoff date for logo submission.

When we work on a medal design, virtual mockups are provided to give you an idea of what the final medal may look like. However, it is not possible to show all the 3-dimensional details in the design, so a production photo proof will also be provided as a last check before production begins.

When the virtual mockup is approved, we proceed with making the mold, then a few medals are stamped and created. A photo proof is sent for approval, this will be what the final medals will look like. Some minor details such as color, medal plating colors can still be changed at this point. If other changes are required, the mold may need to be modified or a new mold may be created. Either way it will cause delays and incur extra costs.

MSH Medals normally includes two rounds of revision for the virtual mock-up. A revision is counted each time we send you a mock-up and you return with requested changes.

If more than two rounds are needed, we may need to charge for additional graphic time. If that happens, we will let you know before making any additional charges.

This is why it helps to collect feedback from your committee, sponsors, or internal team before sending changes back. Clear feedback keeps the design process moving.

Once the virtual mock-up is approved, the next step is production preparation. Before final production, MSH Medals will email you photos of the actual medal with the colors applied for approval. This is a production photo of your medal, not a physical sample shipped to you. This photo approval is included with full custom medal orders.

Normally, after artwork approval, it takes about 7–10 days to make the mold and create the actual sample. Then we email the sample photo for your approval. This photo proof is included within the normal 55–60 day production timeline and does not add extra time.

If you require a physical sample, that is different. A physical sample costs extra and adds time because production is held until the sample is shipped and approved.

If the artwork has been approved but the mold has not yet been made, changes may still be possible. However, if you request changes after seeing the actual medal photo and the mold or sample needs to be remade, there will be additional molding or sample costs. That is why it is important to review the virtual mock-up carefully before approving it.

Clean designs usually work best for medals. Photos can work in some cases, especially with UV printing, but traditional medal production usually works better with:

• Clean lines
• Solid shapes
• Strong contrast
• Readable text
• Chunkier design elements
• Clear event name and distance
• Limited tiny details
• Limited thin lines or cursive fonts

Medal design is different from printing on T-shirts, hats, or paper. A design that looks great on a shirt may need to be simplified so it works well as a medal.

Most first-time race medal orders are around 3 inches in diameter. Around 3 inches is popular because it gives enough room for a strong design while keeping cost, weight, and shipping more manageable. Larger medals, such as 7–8 inches, can create a bigger impression, but they cost more in material and shipping because they are heavier.

For early discussion, JPG, PNG, screenshots, or photos can work. If you already have finished artwork for a race medal mock-up, vector artwork in AI, EPS, or PDF format is preferred.

A fully custom race medal is made from a custom die or mold. The shape, size, plating, artwork, colors, and design details can be created specifically for your event.

A stock-shaped medal is already made in an existing shape, size, and finish. MSH Medals customizes it by printing your race logo, artwork, event name, or award category on a dome or insert that is applied to the medal.

The main difference is design flexibility. Fully custom medals allow extensive customization, while stock-shape medals use a pre-made medal base with a custom-printed insert.

Yes. Your race logo, event artwork, distance, event name, or award category can be printed on the custom dome or insert.

The physical shape of the medal cannot be changed, but MSH Medals offers different stock shapes, colors, and sizes. 

With enough time and the right design, nearly every part of a fully custom medal can be customized. Options may include medal shape, size, plating, enamel colors, custom ribbon, 3D details, die-cut areas, UV printing, spinning or moving parts, glow-in-the-dark ink, light-up features, and different materials.

Most fully custom race medals are made from zinc alloy, but MSH Medals has also created medals from materials such as wood. The available techniques depend on the design, budget, and production timeline.

The minimum order for fully custom race medals is 200 pieces. The minimum order for stock-shape medals is 50 pieces.

Fully custom medals require a mold and additional production setup, so producing a very limited quantity does not make sense cost-wise. Stock-shape medals are already made, which makes lower quantities possible.

Stock-shape medals are not limited to small races. Larger events may use full custom medals for all finishers and stock-shape medals for winners, age-group awards, or gold, silver, and bronze categories.

They are also useful for school races, charity runs, community events, lower-quantity needs, and events with a tight timeline.

If you need 50 to 100 medals, a stock-shape medal is usually the best option because fully custom medals have a 200-piece minimum.

You can still personalize the dome or insert with your race logo, event name, artwork, or award category, and you can add a neck ribbon.

Yes. Stock-shape medals have real medal weight and finish, so they can still look and feel professional. The main limitation is that the medal shape and base design are pre-made, while the printed dome or insert provides the event-specific customization.

They can be a very presentable choice for school races, charity runs, community events, kids races, winner awards, and last-minute medal needs.

Full custom race medals normally require 55 to 60 calendar days after artwork approval and payment is received. This includes production and shipping, although MSH Medals recommends allowing extra time for possible weather, customs, freight, tariff, fuel pricing, or other logistics delays.

Stock-shape medals normally take about two weeks, depending on availability, artwork readiness, quantity, and shipping location. In some rush situations, it may be possible in about seven business days, but two weeks is the safer planning window.

If you have more than 60 days and expect to need at least 200 medals, full custom medals are worth considering. They give you more freedom to create a medal that is unique to the race and may also provide a lower per-unit cost at higher quantities.

Keep in mind that the 55 to 60 day production timeline begins after artwork approval and payment, not when you first contact MSH Medals. Starting earlier gives you more time for design, revisions, approvals, and economical shipping options.

Start with two questions: How many medals do you need, and how much time do you have before race day?

If you expect 200 or more participants and have enough time, fully custom medals may be a good fit. If you need fewer than 200 medals or have a tighter timeline, stock-shaped medals may be more practical.

MSH Medals has produced both full custom and stock-shape medals for school runs, charity races, and community events. We can ask a few questions and help point you in the right direction.

Not always on a per-unit basis. Fully custom medals are generally ordered in larger quantities, so a 200-piece full custom order may have a lower per-unit price than a 50-piece stock-shape order.

The right comparison depends on quantity, timeline, medal size, design complexity, and shipping. Stock-shape medals make lower quantities possible, while full custom medals may offer stronger per-unit value at higher quantities.

Cost can be affected by medal quantity, size, weight, number of colors, custom shape, 3D details, die-cut areas, moving or spinning parts, glow-in-the-dark ink, light-up features, specialty materials, artwork complexity, and shipping weight.

Bigger is not always better. A larger medal may be needed for detailed artwork, but it also uses more material and costs more to ship. MSH Medals can help balance the design, perceived value, and budge

Yes. Both full custom and stock-shape medals can use a neck ribbon, and the ribbon can carry the race name, colors, year, or sponsor logos.

Sponsor logos may also be included on the stock-shape dome or insert when space allows. If there are several sponsors, the ribbon or race shirt may be a cleaner placement.

MSH Medals can coordinate the medal, ribbon, and race shirt so they share the same logo, colors, theme, or overall look and feel.

Yes. Four months is an ideal planning window for fully custom race medals.

At this stage, you have time to explore custom medal designs, different ribbon options, race shirt coordination, and even a physical medal sample if needed. Four months also give more room for approvals, revisions, production, shipping, and unexpected logistics delays.

If your race is 4 months away, this is the perfect time to start the conversation with MSH Medals.

If your race is 3 months away, you should already have a solid idea for your race medal or race T-shirt.

At this stage, the goal is to finalize the concept, artwork, quantity, and production details so the medal order can move forward without unnecessary delay.

Fully custom medals are usually still realistic at 3 months, but the artwork and approval process need to move efficiently.

Two months is a tight timeline for full custom race medals.

It may still be possible, but your design should be ready or close to final approval. You should be prepared to make decisions quickly, confirm sponsor logos, approve the virtual mock-up, and submit payment so production can begin.

If your race is 2 months away and you still need design help, contact MSH Medals as soon as possible so we can review what options are realistic.

If your race is less than 30 days away, fully custom die-cast medals are usually not the best option.

In this situation, MSH Medals will usually recommend stock-shaped medals instead of full custom medals. Stock-shape medals are decorated domestically and normally have about a 2-week turnaround, depending on availability, artwork readiness, quantity, and shipping location.

In some cases, stock-shape medals may be possible in around 7 business days, but we normally recommend allowing about 2 weeks whenever possible.

The 55–60-day production timeline starts after:

1. Final artwork is approved
2. Payment is received

It does not start when you first contact MSH Medals.

This is important because the design discussion, quote approval, sponsor logo collection, mock-up revisions, committee approval, and final payment all happen before production officially begins.

The 55–60 day timeline is based on calendar days.

This timeline includes production and shipping, but we still recommend leaving extra time whenever possible. Weather, customs delays, freight delays, tariffs, fuel pricing, and other logistics issues can affect timing.

Race dates cannot move, so it is always better to build in extra room instead of planning down to the last possible day.

If your race is 6–8 weeks away, contact MSH Medals right away.

You should have a clear concept ready, such as a race logo, colors, photos, previous medal, shirt design, or design direction. At this stage, decisions need to move quickly.

You can still fill out the quote form, but we also recommend jumping on a call so we can review your race date, quantity, artwork status, shipping location, and realistic medal options.

Yes. For full custom medal orders, MSH Medals sends a production photo proof by email before final production.

This photo proof is included in the normal 55–60 day timeline. However, if it takes longer for the customer to review and approve the photo, the timeline may need to be adjusted.

Here are some basic information to get the medal design / production process started: 

• Race date
• In-hand deadline
• Medal quantity
• Shipping city/state
• Race logo or artwork
• Design concept or reference
• Sponsor logo status
• Whether you need race T-shirts
• Budget range, if available

The more information you can provide, the faster MSH Medals can tell you what is realistic.

Common timeline delays include:

• Waiting too long to start
• Not knowing how many medals to order
• Waiting for final registration numbers
• Waiting for sponsor logos
• Waiting for committee or board approval
• Taking too long to approve the design
• Artwork issues
• Multiple revision rounds
• Late payment
• Freight, customs, tariff, or weather-related logistics delays

Many of these delays can be avoided by starting earlier and making key decisions before the timeline becomes tight.

Usually, no.

Many race directors want to wait until they have more registration numbers before ordering medals. The problem is that race registration often comes in during the final weeks before the event, which is too late for full custom medal production.

If you wait too long, you may lose the option to order fully  custom medals on a safe timeline.

A better approach is to estimate your medal count earlier and plan with a small buffer.

If this is your first race, choose a comfortable estimated number based on your event goals, expected attendance, marketing plan, and registration progress.

Another strategy is to use a registration message such as:

“Register by this date to be guaranteed a medal. Later registrations may or may not receive a medal.”

This can encourage earlier registration and help reduce uncertainty around medal quantity.

Contact MSH Medals with your race date, medal quantity, artwork status, shipping location, and whether you also need race T-shirts.

We can review your timeline and tell you what options are realistic.

If your event is close, call or email as soon as possible. The earlier we know your deadline, the better we can help.