Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Organisers have unveiled the medals for the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26. Designed by Danish studio Norgram, the medals align with the event's visual identity and will be presented for three distances: one mile, 5km, and half marathon. The championships will see elite athletes compete for six world titles, alongside thousands of mass participation runners on Copenhagen's streets.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to world champions, while all finishers in the three distances will receive a finisher's medal. All medals—elite and mass participation—share the same fundamental design, symbolizing that everyone crosses the same finish line, according to Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of Sparta Athletics & Running.
The design departs from the traditional circular shape, featuring a layered rectangular form with three distinct levels, each representing one of the championship's distances. Mathias Høst, Partner at Norgram, noted that the medals derive directly from the event's logo and visual identity, unifying the visual language across all materials.
Inspired by Danish design principles, the medals emphasize function, precision, and simplicity. Each distance is further differentiated by a uniquely designed medal ribbon, lending individual graphic identity to each category. The design process also focused on inclusivity, reflecting that most participants are mass runners rather than podium finishers.