Ask a runner what remains of their race six months later: a time, some photos… and the medal, hanging somewhere. It is the emotional object par excellence, kept for life, shown off, photographed. No other event item has that status.
This guide covers choosing a custom medal (materials, formats, ribbons, prices, lead times) and the version that changes everything for an organiser: the connected NFC medal, which links every finisher to their results, their photos and the sign-up for the next edition.
Materials, formats and finishes
Zamak (a zinc alloy) is the standard for race medals: weighty in the hand, mouldable in 2D or 3D, with gold, silver, bronze or enamelled colour finishes. The alternatives: cut steel (modern, economical), wood (the eco-friendly angle) or 3D printing for highly creative small runs.
| Material | Indicative price / unit | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Cast zamak | $2 to $6 | Weight, 2D/3D relief, premium finish |
| Cut steel | $1.50 to $4 | Modern design, short lead times |
| Engraved wood | $1.50 to $3.50 | Eco-friendly, warm look |
| 3D printing | $3 to $8 | Free-form shapes, small runs, prototypes |
The ribbon: the detail that shows in every photo
In finish-line photos, the ribbon takes up more visual space than the medal itself. A sublimated ribbon in the event's colours (with name, edition, sponsors) turns every shared photo into a communication medium.
Allow a width of at least 20 to 25 mm for legible branding, and check colour consistency between the ribbon, the medal and the event's visual identity.
The connected medal: the innovation that keeps runners coming back
An NFC chip embedded in the medal links every finisher to a dedicated page: their official time, their ranking, their race photos, the finish-line video, and the sign-up link for the next edition.
For the organiser, it is a direct channel to 100% of participants that stays active all year round: the medal hanging on the wall becomes a permanent re-engagement touchpoint. Scans are measured in the Timelapse-3D back office — you know how many runners come back to check their page, and when to follow up for registrations.
- Personalised results and ranking on scan
- The runner's photo album and finish-line video
- Early-bird sign-up link for the next edition
- Sponsor showcase on the scan page
- Re-engagement statistics for the organiser
Beyond racing: companies, schools, associations
The custom medal extends well beyond sport: internal sales challenges, graduation ceremonies, club tournaments, corporate off-sites with team olympics. Wherever there is an achievement to celebrate, the medal makes the memory tangible.
In its connected version, it carries the event photos, the honours list or a personalised message from management — a team-building asset that stays on people's desks.
Budget and lead times: plan ahead, don't scramble
A bespoke zamak medal takes 4 to 6 weeks (mould, production, shipping). Cut steel and engraved wood come down to 2-3 weeks. Add the proof approval time: start the design at least 2 months before the event.
On the budget side, count the trio of medal + ribbon + NFC option. The chip adds around $1 to $2 per piece — often self-funded by the sponsor showcase on the scan page.
| Quantity | Price range (zamak + ribbon) | With connected NFC option |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 300 | $4 to $7 / unit | $5.50 to $9 / unit |
| 300 to 1,000 | $3 to $5 / unit | $4.50 to $7 / unit |
| 1,000 and up | $2 to $4 / unit | $3.50 to $6 / unit |
Your next edition deserves an unforgettable medal
Timelapse-3D designs your custom medal — classic or connected NFC with photos, results and re-registration — and manages the entire digital experience.
FAQ
How much does a custom medal cost?
From $2 to $6 per unit in zamak depending on quantity; including the ribbon, allow $4 to $7 for small runs. The connected NFC option adds $1 to $2 per medal.
What lead time for bespoke medals?
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for cast zamak (mould + production), 2 to 3 weeks for cut steel or engraved wood. Start the project 2 months before the event.
What does a connected medal display when scanned?
The finisher's page: official time, ranking, photos and finish-line video, a message from the organisers, sponsors and the sign-up link for the next edition. The content can be updated all year round.
Does the connected medal work without an app?
Yes. NFC is native on recent smartphones: the runner holds their phone near the medal and their page opens. An engraved QR code can serve as a backup.