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Completing any race, from a 5K to the London Marathon, is a feat to be proud of – so celebrate that hard work with a gorgeous medal display PU leather pet collar
You’ve run the race, got the T-shirt… and then let your hard-earned medals gather dust in a forgotten drawer. If you were looking for a sign to finally organise all those bibs, fish out those race finish photos and put a stop to noisy clattering every time you shut your bedroom door (medals on door knobs, anyone else?), then consider this that sign.
Or maybe you're the proud friend/partner/parent/child of a runner and want to celebrate their achievements while showing you care? Well, you're in the right place — a race medal holder is the perfect gift to motivate, encourage and let them know you'll always be there cheering them on. And with marathon season upon us, the timing couldn't be better.
In a hurry? These are the best race medal holders, hangers and displays at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list and our thoughts below.
It would be bold for us to suggest you wear your medals as fashion accessories, but why should you hide them away? Far from fearing egotism, you should be proud to display your medals – in fact, when marathon runner Matt Allyn experimented wearing his Boston Marathon finishers medal for a month, he found people continued to congratulate and appreciate his effort weeks after the marathon.
Plus, putting your medals on display is a cheerful way to add some colour and personality to your living room, and it might motivate you to keep hitting your training targets, whether you’re working towards a marathon PB or your first 10K. But don’t just take our word for it – BBC newsreader and keen long-distance runner (and RW columnist) Sophie Raworth is a fan of race medal holders, too.
Whether you’re after a medal display to celebrate your triumphs, get a bit more organised or make a great gift for the runner in your life, we’ve handpicked the best medal holders, frames, hangers and cases available to shop now.
This simple hanger topped with a running figure silhouette can hold up to 20 medals to add a burst of colour (and pride) to any space. Available in stainless steel or black coated steel, and there's a female version, too.
Track your progress along with your successes with this chalk board medal hanger that also lets you display your bib and PBs. Personalise the name, slogan and distances, or leave blank for whatever inspirational quote strikes you. Motivation station, all aboard.
This rustic medal hanger emblazoned with bold messaging is sure to inspire any runner. It comes with 13 hooks – you can choose from straight or bent – and is made with ethically-sourced, FSC certified timber, which is then finished with wax for a deep oak finish.
This is one for the over-achievers. With 20 sturdy hooks it can hold over 60 medals and ribbons, and the hooks are nicely spaced and slightly wider than some others, to avoid bunching.
But the best part? The chic bamboo shelf on top, which can be used to display trophies, finish photos or just a few potted succulents if you feel you've shown off enough already.
One for the overachievers, this medal display includes two medal hanging bars set at different heights to keep everything visible – plus a trophy shelf for all your photos, bibs and other accolades. You can choose from a paintable surface or two different finishes on the wood – the Tudor Oak is particularly lovely and it comes in various sizes.
Yet to rack up any trophies? The shelf is just as useful for everyday knick-knacks. And did we mention that it's a total bargain?
If you’re giving a race medal holder as a gift and want to add a personal touch, this birch plywood number not only gives off serious Scandi-cool vibes but has a little extra engraving space to really let your runner pal know how proud you are of them.
Customise it with a heartfelt message, in-joke or motivational quote you know they love, and watch the gratitude roll in. Choose from medium (39cm wide) or large (49cm wide).
Clocking up the miles faster than you can count? Display up to 100 bibs and 24 medals on this wall-mounted hanger. It's made from hand-forged, brushed metal, comes with two vinyl sheets to protect your bibs, while the minimal design lets your (many) achievements shine.
Not technically for medals, but if you’re worried about ruining your scandi-cool aesthetic, these antique brass-look hooks from nkuku are a stylish and minimal way to hang medals – or anything else!
Choose between five hooks or three (or get both and space them artily on your walls for ultimate interiors cred).
This classy London marathon display case is totally customisable, from the text to the frame, mount and map colour. Treat yourself or let a loved one know you're proud of them – it makes a fabulous gift. Plus you can upgrade to add a race finish photograph, too.
Proudly display your medal and race bib in this sharp case. It's great quality and made with strong plexiglass (so no breaking in the post). Choose your own frame and mount colours, and you can upgrade to a bespoke order to add a photo as well.
Personalise this classy handmade wooden medal hanger however you want within 30 characters — names, notable dates and inspirational quotes all very much acceptable. The build quality is fantastic, it looks a lot more expensive than it is and you can choose between one, two, three or four sturdy brass rails to display your ribbons.
We love the classy look of the walnut finish, but the grey stain deserves a shout out too. Plus keyhole fixings make it easy to put up and keep securely on your wall.
You can never have too many inspirational quotes whirring round your head when clocking up the miles, and this message of self belief is a simple but powerful one that’s sure to pay dividends when approaching the dreaded wall. There’s space for approximately 30 medals and simple hanging fixtures included.
This charming wooden race medal holder does it all while looking totally fabulous. Not only does it come with a bar to loop your medals around, it also has a PB chalkboard, bulldog clips attached to display a race bib and space to personalise with your (or your giftee’s) name.
It’s made from hardwood oak veneer, has a rustic rope attached for simple hanging and we have it on good authority that it looks so much better IRL.
Cherish that sweet, sweet line-crossing memory with this heartening medal display hanger — never mind that it’s a hazy, sweaty blur! You worked hard for it, so show off the spoils.
This display can hold around 40 medals so it’s one for the high achievers (if that's you, well done) and the believers (you can do it!). It’s made from coated, laser-cut steel and comes with a full wall mounting kit.
Personalise this cute medal hanger any way you like, with the event, date or message of your choice, plus photos and race maps. It's made from solid oak, and you can choose between three pegs with two image frames or five pegs with four frames.
Want your medals to make a statement? Opt for this bold design, which holds up to 45 ribbons (depending on which size you opt for). Made from brushed stainless steel for a chic look, it sits slightly away from the wall for easy hanging, and comes with all wall fixings and instructions included.
Celebrate that iconic journey across the Tyne Bridge with this race medal holder dedicated to the Great North Run. Choose from two or three tiers and eight colours, including a fabulous orange.
It's made from sturdy acrylic and comes with screws, spacers and plugs for fuss-free hanging.
Let the medals do the talking with this minimal display rail. Made from stainless steel it can hold 20 medals across three bars and it comes with all the wall fixtures included. Simple!
Canicrossers out there, this one is to commemorate all your achievements with your four-legged friend. It's made from black powder steel and comes with screws, spacers and wall plugs.
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