The World’s First Color-Changing Medal Designer Guide — X Medals Redefines Creativity in Race Awards

December 3, 2025

A first-of-its-kind reference for race directors and designers, setting a new global benchmark for interactive finisher medal design.

December 3, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – X Medals, part of the X T-shirt and the creator behind the world’s first color-changing race medals, has officially released the Color-Changing Medal 2026 Designer Guide — a comprehensive visual reference designed to help race organizers and creative teams unlock new possibilities for medal design.

As the first guide of its kind globally, it provides a structured, easy-to-follow framework for integrating color transformation into medal concepts, helping events stand out, engage participants, and strengthen sponsor visibility.

“We pioneered the color-changing medal category,” said Ryan Zhu, founder of X T-shirt. “This guide gives race directors a smarter way to design — using color, light, and transformation to make every medal a story, not just an award.”

The guide introduces five signature design series, each representing a distinct creative logic and transformation style — from bold sunlight shifts to elegant, translucent glow effects.

1. Color-Changing Medals — A (Solid Enamel)

• This series features five popular medal plating finishes — Shiny Gold, Shiny Silver, Antique Gold, Antique Silver, and Black.
• With 10 vivid solid color-changing options, Series A delivers the most intense transformation under sunlight. The colors shift evenly across the enamel surface, creating bold, high-energy finishes ideal for medals designed to shine in race photos.

2. Color-Changing Medals — B (Translucent Enamel)

• Series B offers 4 premium finishes — Shiny Gold, Shiny Silver, Antique Gold, and Antique Silver — paired with 10 translucent enamel layers that allow light to pass through.
• The result is a soft, glass-like glow that’s perfect for water, skyline, or sunset-themed events, bringing elegance and visual depth to medal designs.

3. Color-Changing Medals — C (White to Colors)

• Series C delivers the most dramatic before-and-after effect — a full transformation from white to vibrant color when exposed to sunlight.
• This series works exceptionally well for festival, city, or mascot-based races, creating instant visual excitement and a strong social media impact.
• Includes 8 color-change options: Red, Magenta, Orange, Purple, Green, Yellow, Black, and Blue.

4. Color-Changing Medals — D (Gold to Colors)

• Combining a gold-plated base with solid color-changing enamel, Series D creates a warm and luxurious transformation.
• Under sunlight, medals shift from subtle gold tones to deep, rich hues — ideal for championship or premium-branded events.
• Includes 6 color-change options: Red, Blue, Orange, Purple, Green, and Yellow.

5. Color-Changing Medals — E (Silver to Colors)

• Series E blends silver plating with bold color-changing enamel for a crisp, modern look.
• The contrast between the metallic base and vivid colors produces a clean, contemporary style suited for fast-paced or high-energy races.
• Includes 8 color-change options, all customizable to match any race identity.
• Each series in the guide includes visual examples, color charts, and design recommendations drawn from real production data — giving race directors and sponsors a practical roadmap from creative concept to finished medal.

The full Color-Changing Medal 2026 Designer Guide is available now at https://magicraceshirts.com/color-changing-medals-design-guide/

About X T-shirt
Leading a New Era of Interactive Race Merchandise

X T-shirt and X Medals — brands that have redefined how endurance events celebrate achievement.

From developing sweat-activated shirts and color-changing shirts technologies to pioneering the world’s first color-changing medals, X T-shirt continues to push the boundaries of race-day innovation.

Designed for Experience, Built for Emotion

Every product is designed to do more than look good — it’s made to connect runners, organizers, and sponsors through experiences that move. Whether a medal changes color in sunlight or a shirt reveals hidden messages mid-race, X T-shirt turns creativity into engagement.

Real Impact on Runners and Races

Runners consistently highlight how these designs bring excitement and motivation to every finish line. See authentic reactions here:

Magic Race Shirts & Medals Runner Feedback

Free Design and Sample Support for Events Worldwide

X T-shirt partners with race directors across 5K to marathons, offering free custom design services and samples tailored to each event’s story.

Learn more or start your own design journey at MagicRaceShirts.com