You've crossed the finish line. You've earned the medal. But weeks later it's sitting in a drawer or hanging on a hook looking exactly like everyone else's.
Personalising your race medal with your name and finish time changes that. Suddenly it isn't just a medal from a race. It's your medal, your achievement, immortalising the exact moment you stopped the clock.
Here's exactly how to do it.
Why personalise your race medal?
Race medals are one of the most meaningful objects most runners ever own; but out of the box they're generic. Every finisher at the Chicago Marathon gets the same medal. Personalising it is what makes yours, yours.
Adding your name and finish time turns a mass-produced award into a precision record of your achievement. Something you'll still want to look at in ten years.
What you'll need
Nothing. That's the point. Make It Personal handles the engraving, all you need is your finish time and a few minutes to place your order.
- Your name (as you'd like it engraved)
- Your official finish time
- Your race event (to match the correct product format)
Step 1: Choose your product
Make It Personal offers three products, each designed for a different setup:
itab - A precision-engraved acrylic tag that attaches directly onto the back of your medal using 3M adhesive. Available exclusively through official event partners. If your race is a partner event, this is the most seamless option.
itab plus - A medal hanger and engraved itab combo. The hanger threads onto your medal ribbon, taking centre stage above the medal itself. Available in four colours. Works with 100% of medals.
itab max - The premium option. A 100% recycled zinc alloy hanger with a precision-engraved itab, available in nine colours. Designed to last as long as the medal itself.
Not sure which to choose? [LINK TO: Blog 4 — itab vs itab plus vs itab max] itab vs itab plus vs itab max has the full comparison.
Step 2: Enter your personalisation
Once you've selected your product, you'll be asked for:
- Your name (first name, and last name)
- Your official finish time
- Your event (for partner events, this auto-selects the correct product format)
- Medal Hanger size to fit your ribbon width (for itab plus and itab max)
- Your colour preference (for itab plus and itab max)
Double-check your finish time before ordering, engraving is permanent. Your official time can be found on your race results page, your timing chip email, or the official race app.
Step 3: Place your order
Orders ship worldwide for free. Customers will receive their medal tag 5–7 days (UK) and 15–20 days (International) from Race Day.
If you're ordering after your event and want it as a gift or keepsake for a specific date, order a few days early to be safe.
Step 4: Apply your itab
For the itab (adhesive): Peel the protective strip from the 3M adhesive backing. Align the itab with the engraved recess on the back of your medal. Press firmly and hold for 30 seconds. Done.
For the itab plus and itab max (ribbon hanger): Fold your medal ribbon into a point. Slide the buckle onto the ribbon from the front, through the lower slot, around and back through the upper slot. The engraved itab faces forward, centred above your medal.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds.
Can I personalise a medal from a past race?
Yes. If your event isn't listed as a partner event, the itab plus and itab max are compatible with any medal from any race, past or present. So that marathon medal from three years ago that's been sitting in a box? It's not too late.
Ready to make it yours?
Browse the full range and personalise your race medal in the product range. Free worldwide shipping. 100% compatible with all medals.
