How to display race medals and bibs so you remember the story

To display race medals and bibs, pick one simple format, such as a hook rail, a shadow box or a framed bib, and add a short note about the race next to each one. A medal on its own only says that you finished. A medal next to the date, the time and one photo says what the day was like. This guide shows ways to display race medals and bibs that you will still enjoy years from now.

Why display race medals and bibs at all?#

Race medals end up in drawers, on door handles or in a box in the cupboard. Bibs get folded into a race bag and forgotten. Yet these are small objects that hold a big day, and they help you remember how hard you worked.

Showing them also helps the people around you. Family and friends who cheered for you can see the result of that cheer. A visible medal starts conversations, and a first race looks very different on the wall than in a box.

What are the simplest ways to display race medals?#

You do not need to spend much. Choose a format that fits the number of medals you have.

• A hook rail or a hanger: a wooden bar with hooks for the ribbons. It suits many medals and is easy to add to.
• A shadow box: a deep frame with the medal, the bib and a photo. It suits one special race, such as a first marathon.
• A cork or pin board: good if you change what you show.
• A shelf with stands: each medal stands up so the front is visible.

Ribbons fade in strong sun, so hang them away from a bright window. Touch metal medals with clean hands to keep the finish nice.

How can you display race bibs?#

A race bib is paper or a fabric-like sheet, and it creases. Flatten it under a heavy book for a few days before you frame it. Then try one of these.

1. Frame it flat behind glass with a mount, and add the date.
2. Make a bib wall, with several bibs in a grid of matching frames.
3. Use a clear sleeve in an album, together with the race programme.
4. Pin it in a shadow box next to the medal, so the pair stay together.

Before you share a photo of a bib online, read what a race bib gives away, because a bib number and a name can reveal more than you expect.

How do you add the story to a medal?#

The object alone is only half of it. Write a short label for each race, and keep it to a few lines.

• The race name and the date
• Your finish time, if you want it
• One line about the day, such as the weather or who was at the 30 km mark
• One photo

A small printed card tucked behind the medal works well. For writing ideas, see how to write a race recap, which turns a hard day into a few good paragraphs.

How do you keep the photos with the medal?#

The photos are often the hardest part. They sit on a dozen phones, in group chats and in the camera roll of the person who stood at mile 20. Our guide on what to do with race day photos explains how to gather and sort them.

With RaceTale, family and friends add photos, clips and cheers to one invite link, with no account. The app puts them on a timeline next to your route and your result, so you have a private race story to pair with the medal. You can then print one favourite photo for the frame. Read how to make a race story for the steps.

Frequently asked questions#

How many medals can I hang on one rail?#

A sturdy rail with several hooks can hold many, but keep the weight in mind. Check the wall fixing, as a pile of medals is heavier than it looks.

How do I stop a ribbon from fading?#

Keep it out of direct sun and away from damp. A frame with UV-protective glass helps if the wall is bright.

Can I frame a bib that has my name on it?#

Yes, on your own wall. Think twice before posting a photo of it online, because the number and name can identify you.

What if I have no photos from the race?#

Ask the people who were there. A friend on the course may have a picture, and family at home may have screenshots of your tracking. Start with one shared link so they can send what they have.