Medal Basics

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. […]

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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.

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.

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.