The Strangest Running Medals Ever Created: When Race Awards Get Weird (and Awesome)

Crossing the finish line of a race is an achievement that deserves recognition, and for many runners, that means getting a medal. But while most races hand out standard round medals with ribbons, some events decide to break the mold—offering everything from fine jewelry to edible treats to medals so big they double as home decor.

From Nike x Tiffany medals to a literal cowbell, here’s a look at some of the weirdest, most unique, and most unforgettable running medals ever made.

1. The Nike x Tiffany & Co. Medal: The Most Luxurious Race Prize Ever

🏅 Material: Sterling Silver by Tiffany & Co.🏃 Race: Nike Women's Marathon📍 Location: San Francisco, USA

If there’s a "most coveted running medal" in history, it might just be the one from the Nike Women’s Marathon. Instead of a standard finisher medal, runners receive a custom Tiffany & Co. sterling silver necklace, presented in the iconic Tiffany blue box—handed out by firefighters in tuxedos.

Yes, you read that right.

The race, which was held annually in San Francisco, became famous for this luxurious twist on race medals, making it one of the few events where finishers wear their "medals" as jewelry rather than hanging them on a wall.

While the race no longer exists, those lucky enough to finish it still cherish their Tiffany necklaces as a badge of honor—and a reminder that sometimes, race medals can be downright glamorous.

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