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5K Medals for First Time runners

For a first time runner a medal is a big deal

#first5k medal, running medal, finisher's medalFirsts in life are a big deal. Like a child’s first step, a First 5K Race is a big step in life.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you deserve a finisher’s medal when you finish your first 5K road race.

As a runner, you know how much work and determination it takes to run your first 5k race. As a parent, spouse or friend, you know how hard your runner has worked to prepare.

Order a 2021 My First 5K medal

Order a 2022 My First 5K medal

Most races award medals to the top three male and female finishers. Some also award medals to the top finishers by age group.

Make sure your runner brings home a medal regardless of how they finish the race.

5K Medals for First Time Runners

Why don’t all races award medals for all finishers?

Most 5K races are fundraisers and race directors have to watch their budget.

Race directors have to pay for timing services, police details, insurance and usually race shirts.

Most 5K races are raising money for one organization or another. It may be for the local PTO, medical research or to assistant veterans and other people in need.

Fundraisers need to raise funds

When a non-profit commits staff and resources to produce a 5K road race, they need to have something to show for their expenditure of time and funds.

In a 2005 Cool Running article Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray, gave an example of the costs to produce the average 500 person race. He included everything from t-shirts to toilets and came up with a cost per runner of $20.30.

In 2005 the average 5K entry fee was $20.00. Sixteen years later, the average 5K fee is $30.00.

Dave’s estimate did not include awards or finishers medals, and his race still lost 30¢ per runner.

The $30 collected per runner today doesn’t go much further than the $20 collected in 2005. In addition to inflation, races have become bigger productions and most provide tech shirts instead of cotton.

Dave’s 2005 article indicates that not providing a finishers medal is a long-standing practice. So even in 2005 race directors felt the need to eliminate this expense.

Races need runners to be successful

Races need runners to show up in order to be successful and that means keeping registration fees as low as possible.

Runners expect a well organized race with water, some food and a nice shirt. If a race cuts corners, runners will notice and may not return the next year.

Recent surveys indicate that experienced runners would rather keep entry fees low and not receive a medal. Many would go without a shirt to keep fees low.

Race directors know this. Some races do not include a shirt with registration and most have eliminated a medal for all runners.

Millions of new 5K runners each year

Each year, millions of people lace up for their first 5K road race. For them every step along the way has been an adventure in the journey to their first race.

We all grew up watching medal ceremonies at The Olympics and The Boston Marathon. Every first time runner wants their personal moment of victory.

The My First 5K medal allows all first time runners to get a special medal for their first race.

First time 5K runners like medals

First time runners have seen the medal ceremonies and felt the excitement. They want to feel that excitement for themselves.

For race directors, providing a medal, keeping fees low and raising funds is a challenge.

Omni Running offers the MyFirst5K medal for your runner

My First 5K medal, runners medalThis is a limited edition finisher’s medal designed exclusively for first time 5K runners.

You can order one for your runner or for a group of runners. Just click any image on this page to place your order.

Race directors can add the medal as a registration option for runners. The medal is a great fundraiser with little effort on your part. Race Director Details.

Each medal comes with a bib sticker

my first 5k, 5k sticker,1st 5k race, races for kids
2″X2″

Let me know if you have questions.

info at omnirunning.com

 

My First 5K Medal Origins

I came up with the idea for the “My First 5K Medal” while running a local 5K. first5k medal, running medal, my first 5k medal origins

I was running the “Run for all Ages” in Wakefield, Mass. and a friend of mine was running the race with his daughter. She was probably 8 or 10 and still at that age where Dad is her hero and best friend.

As we ran along we chatted like runners often do. With great pride on both of their faces they told me this was her first 5K and first race ever with dad! The smiles on their faces and the look in their eyes told more than words can say.

It filled me with joy to see them sharing this experience and creating this wonderful memory. My friend Joe took up running later in life like I did and it changed his life and possibly saved it. To see him sharing his sport and the “thing that Dad did” with his daughter was awesome.

Having older children, I knew what a special moment this was for both of them.

I was running a little faster than Joe and his daughter, so we wished each other well and I took off ahead.

As I ran along, I realized that the “Run for all Ages” doesn’t give out finisher’s medals. Most runners at this race are veteran runners and running races isn’t about the medals for them. It seemed like a shame that my friend’s daughter wouldn’t get a medal at her first 5K. That just didn’t seem right to me.

My First 5K Medal Origins

I didn’t know anything about medals when I started this process. I was just a collector. To start with, I Googled race medals and found all kinds of inexpensive options. Some companies would customize a decal, but they still didn’t look worthy of a First 5K run.

At the high end were custom medals that marathons and half-marathons typically award. Since marathons and half-marathons charge more, they can afford custom medals.

Most 5Ks attract fewer runners than marathons and half-marathons. I learned that smaller orders mean higher prices per medal.

I also looked to see what experienced race directors had to say about 5K medals and the expenses of running a 5K.

In a 2005 Cool Running article Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray, gave a detailed estimate of the costs to produce the average 500 person race. He included everything from t-shirts to toilets and came up with a cost per runner of $20.30. In 2005 the average 5K entry fee was $20.00.

Without sponsors, his race example lost money. His estimate did not include awards or finishers medals. Prices have increased since 2005, but the average 5K entry fee in 2015 was only $25.00.

Dave’s article indicates that in 2005 it was a long-standing practice not to provide finishers medals at 5Ks. Race Directors just couldn’t make the expense fit into their already tight budgets.

A New Concept in 5K Medals

It became obvious why 5K races didn’t give out medals anymore. Veteran runners don’t run for the medals. For a race to offer a quality, custom medal they need to charge every runner more money.

Surveys have indicated that most runners are more concerned with registration fees and less concerned with medals.

It dawned on me that perhaps a special 5K medal for first time runners would make sense.

running medals,5k medals,my first 5k medal

I worked with Ashworth Awards to develop a new concept in 5K medals, the “My First 5K Medal.” Ashworth makes medals for thousands of races including the most famous race of all, the Boston Marathon.

I felt good working with a highly respected company such as Ashworth. They are the experts in the field and helped me design a high quality medal.

We designed a medal 2″ in diameter and 3.5mm thick. Stack two quarters and you will see the thickness of this medal.

Since 2014 I have been providing medals to runners and races across the country. I would be honored to send a medal to you for your child’s First 5K or your friend’s, spouse or colleague. Every runner deserves a great medal for their First 5K.

If you are a race director looking to add something new and special to your race, I can help. I work with race directors to offer the My First 5K medal for first time runners at no cost to your race, and increase fundraising.

COVID Close Out Sale

Get a My First 5K medal for your runner for only $4.95 with our COVID Close Out Sale.

COVID Close Out Sale

Like most race directors, I planned for 2020 just like any other year.

Things were going as projected until late March.

Many spring races were postponed or cancelled. Eventually races started going virtual.

Virtual races are catching on but registrations have not returned to normal levels yet.

Since I still have most of my 2020 inventory and the end of 2020 is approaching, I thought I would have a COVID close out sale.

Medals for Virtual Races

Now through the end of the year all My First 5K medals will be on sale for $4.95.

No coupon code is required. Order as many as you need.

My First 5K Medal, COVID close out saleFor 2020 I added the option of having “2020 Finisher” in pink print on the ribbon.

Pink is the color for Breast Cancer Awareness and I thought people running a 5K fundraiser would prefer that color.

A few did sell but I still have plenty left.

5k running medals for first time runnersThe standard white ribbon print is also still available.

These medals and ribbons are identical except for the color of the print.

All medals ship with the red “My First 5K” bib sticker also.

If you already ran your first 5K in 2020 or 2019, 2018 or 2017 you can order just the ribbon for $2.00 including shipping.

The ribbons have a Velcro clasp so they can be added to any medal to designate that medal as a first 5K race medal.

To order a ribbon

My First 5K Medal in frame, zig zag ribbonAn additional benefit of a removable ribbon is that it gives you display options you would not have available with a standard ribbon.

If you are looking to frame a first 5K medal for your runner, I can help with that also.

Medal inlay, display frameThrough the end of 2020, Medal Frames are available for $24.95. I can frame your 5K medal or frame just about any running medal in a great looking frame.

These frames make a great Christmas gift for your runner whether they are a first time 5K runner or have another race they are particularly proud of.

The frames look great in your office or your home office. Start a conversation.

Let me know if you have any questions at info @ omnirunning.com

Run for All Ages 2018

The 17th Annual Run For All Ages 5k is Saturday November 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

The race begins and ends in the Comverse Building parking lot. Located just off of North Ave in Wakefield you will find plenty of parking and many good friends at this race.

This truly is a Run for All Ages with runners ranging in age from 8 to 80! Come and run your pace and enjoy your race.

The first 250 runners registered will receive a tech t-shirt. Age group prizes will be awarded in 10 year age divisions and in five-year increments from 60 to 90+. Enjoy a fun post race party with lots of raffle prizes.

The Run for All Ages is an MA Senior Games qualifier for National Senior Games. To compete as an MA Senior Games participant you must be 40 or older and pay an additional $14 fee.

Online entry fees are $27.00 for adults, $30 mail-in and $35 race day.

$10.00 for youth 13 and under (plus processing fees)

All of our friends over 80 can register for free!

Run for All Ages Registration HERE

Run for All Ages 5K Sponsorship

races with medals, 5k medals, run for all ages 5KOmni Running is a sponsor for the 5th year in a row with the My First 5K Medal. My First 5K medals are great for first time 5K runners of any age.

I’ve seen father and son teams where the son was older than me! I’ve also seen moms and dads running with their young children.

It truly is a Run for All Ages.

My First 5K medals will be available at the race for $10 plus tax. We accept credit cards.

You can also order ahead of time on-line here.

Proceeds benefit the Wakefield Education Collaborative.

Bring your child, friend or spouse along and make sure they get a great medal to celebrate their First 5K.

This is the race that gave me the idea for this medal. Everyone running their First 5K deserves a medal, even if they don’t place in the top 3.

Every child who decides to run their first 5K deserves a medal worthy of their initiative and effort. Show your child how proud of them you are with a very special medal that only a few will receive on race day.

This race provides medals for the top three finishers in each age group, but not for all runners.

Each year Harrows Chicken Pies is at this race. They make the best chicken pies you’ve ever had. If race day is cold, nothing beats a sample of hot chicken pies!

See you at the race!

Andy

Run for All Ages 5K 2017

The 16th Annual Run For All Ages 5k is Saturday November 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

The first 250 runners registered will receive a race shirt, and they tell me they still have some left. Age group prizes will be awarded across all age groups – in five-year increments from 60+. Enjoy a fun post race party with lots of raffle prizes.

All of our friends over 80 can register for free!

Online entry fees are $22.00 for adults, and $10.00 for youth 13 and under (plus processing fees).

Run for All Ages Registration HERE

Run for All Ages 5K Sponsorship

races with medals, 5k medals, run for all ages 5KOmni Running is a sponsor for the 4th year in a row with the My First 5K Medal. My First 5K medals are great for first time 5K runners of any age.

I’ve seen father and son teams where the son was older than me! I’ve also seen moms and dads running with their young children.

It truly is a Run for All Ages.

My First 5K medals will be available at the race for $10 plus tax. We accept credit cards.

Proceeds benefit the Wakefield Education Collaborative.

Bring your child, friend or spouse along and make sure they get a great medal to celebrate their First 5K.

This is the race that gave me the idea for this medal. Everyone running their First 5K deserves a medal, even if they don’t place in the top 3.

Every child who decides to run their first 5K deserves a medal worthy of their initiative and effort. Show your child how proud of them you are with a very special medal that only a few will receive on race day.

This race provides medals for the top three finishers in each age group, but not for all runners.

Each year Harrows Chicken Pies is at this race. They make the best chicken pies you’ve ever had. If race day is cold, nothing beats a sample of hot chicken pies!

See you at the race!

Andy

Hallmark Health Stride for Healthy Communities

The Hallmark Health Stride for Healthy Communities 5K takes place on Saturday, September 30th.

Hallmark Health Stride for Healthy Communities

Hallmark Health Stride for Healthy CommunitiesThis Saturday morning race starts at 9 AM. Registration and bib pick up begins at 8 AM.

With hospitals in Melrose and Medford and out-patient services provided in Reading and Stoneham, Hallmark Health truly serves our Communities.

Proceeds from the Stride for Healthy Communities benefit Hallmark Health family health services such as CPR training for high school students, diabetes education and other initiatives to keep our communities healthy.

This flat course around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield is very popular because it offers plenty of free parking and a nice flat course.

My First 5K medal, runners medal, hallmark health stride for healthy communitiesThis child friendly race offers registration for children 12 and under for only $15. Registration includes a “My First 5K” medal for all children under 12.

If you are thinking about running an early fall 5K with your child, this would be a great one. The course is flat and every child 12 and under receives a high quality medal to commemorate their first 5K race.

Teen and adult registration is $25 pre-registered and $30 day of.

If your child is 13 or older, or your running partner is older, My First 5K medals will be available for purchase at the race for $10.00. All proceeds benefit Hallmark Health family health services.

Hallmark Health Stride for Healthy Communities Festivities

After the race there will be music, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Be sure to stick around for the awards ceremony and enjoy a beautiful September morning along the lake.

The Melrose Running Club will also be at the race. Be sure to stop by their tent to learn about the club and their Walk to Run program. The Melrose Running Club Walk to Run program has been helping new runners for over 10 years.

The Melrose Running Club is a community partner with Hallmark Health to bring you and your family a fantastic running experience.