City Marathon Unveils 2026 Finisher Medal Celebrating Local Heritage And Runner Spirit

The medal is made of zinc alloy with antique gold plating. Its front features Springfield's riverside skyline embossed in the center, surrounded by a laurel wreath representing endurance and victory. The back carries the event logo, the edition number "26", and a ribbon slot in the city's signature blue and orange colors. "A marathon medal is not just an award - it is a memory," said race director Emily Carter. "We wanted this year's design to tell the story of our city and the effort behind every finisher." This year's medal also introduces a removable inner badge, allowing runners to keep the main medal while gifting the badge to a coach, family member or fellow runner. Organizers said the idea was inspired by the "sharing" trend seen in recent major games medal designs. The 2026 Springfield International Marathon will be held on May 17, expecting more than 12,000 participants from 30 countries. Age-group winners will receive engraved plates in addition to the standard medal.