Mid-Q2 Medal Trends: What 2017 Race Briefs Are Asking For 🏅

Halfway through Q2, three medal-design requests are dominating Thai race-director briefs — distinct from anything that ran in 2016. Worth understanding what shifted and what is now considered table-stakes.

Cutout Negative Space Is Mainstream

2017 finisher medals frequently include a die-cut negative-space silhouette — a runner, a mountain outline, a city skyline — pierced through the body. The cutout lets background light through in race-day photos, creating photogenic depth. Cost adds ฿8-15/medal versus solid; the visual gain is much larger.

Heavier 70g+ Medals at Mid-Tier Races

Heavy finisher medals (70g+) used to mean premium-tier races (฿1,500+ entry). In 2017 mid-tier races (฿600-900 entry) are matching the weight to compete on social-media impact. Production cost difference vs. 55g is only ฿12-18/medal — easy to absorb in the entry fee.