Race Medals: Everything you ever wanted to know about designing, ordering and marketing your race medals – with Ashworth Awards’ Kim and Morgan Ashworth

May 30, 2025

Ashworth Awards Discusses Leading the Industry with Race Directors HQ, on Panos Gonos’ Podcast, Head Start

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Ashworth Awards, a family-owned manufacturer of custom recognition awards, is proud to announce its recent feature on the Head Start podcast, hosted by Panos Gonos. In the episode, Vice President and CFO Kim Ashworth, along with Chief Operations Officer, Morgan Ashworth, joined the show to discuss the legacy of race medals, the evolution of the endurance industry, and the company’s journey from emblematic jewelry manufacturing to becoming one of the top medal suppliers in North America.

The episode encompasses the topic of race director best practices when it comes to ordering medals and awards, not just with Ashworth Awards but when working with any medal vendor in the endurance space. Kim and Morgan give sought after advice that race directors can apply across their race vendors, but especially when it comes to ensuring they receive quality, timely, and ethical medallions & awards for their events.

During the conversation, Kim and Morgan provided a deep dive into the production, design, and logistics of race medals—from die-cast and Dimensional Steel™ medallions to additional eco-friendly materials like wood and acrylic. They thoroughly discussed important industry topics such as tariffs, domestic vs. overseas production, and how medals are increasingly used as marketing tools to attract race participants. Listeners can gain insights into best practices for race directors, including managing lead times, ordering samples, and creating standout finisher bling.

They expressed their expert insights into the artistry, materials, and techniques that power the endurance industry’s most memorable medals. The conversation explored the complexity behind die-cast medal production, including mold creation, plating, and customization, as well as the growing popularity of die-cast alternatives for more budget-friendly or sustainable events, including Ashworth Awards’ uniquely offered Dimensional Steel™ medallions and award lines. From cutting-edge 3D designs with movable components to eco-conscious materials for trail races, the episode highlighted Ashworth Awards’ commitment to bringing bold, imaginative ideas to life through deep manufacturing knowledge and collaborative customer partnerships.

With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality-based manufacturing whether in the U.S. or overseas, Ashworth Awards continues to expand its presence both domestically and internationally. The company looks forward to supporting races of all sizes in delivering memorable experiences to participants, one medal at a time.

Listen to the entire podcast here! www.racedirectorshq.com/listen/race-medals-1064.

For more information, visit www.ashworthawards.com

About Ashworth Awards:

Ashworth Awards has been a leader in recognition and promotional products for six decades, serving thousands of races, sporting events, corporate programs, and organizations nationwide.  As a proud American manufacturer, Ashworth Awards is committed to delivering products that combine exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and unbeatable value.