How Cherry Blossom 5K Created a Premium Finish Without Using Metal Medals

Cherry Blossom 5K proves that you don't need a traditional metal medal to create something runners love.

Instead of following the usual finish-line formula, the organisers combined vibrant UV printed wooden medals with engraved natural log slice trophies for the category winners.

The result was an awards package that perfectly matched the spring theme of the event while creating something that felt completely unique.

Cherry Blossom 5K finisher medals alongside the engraved log slice trophy for the overall winner.

About the Event

Cherry Blossom 5K is a themed running event organised by Blast running. Rather than simply putting on another road race, the organisers built the entire experience around the colours and atmosphere of spring.

That meant every detail needed to feel connected, from the branding and ribbons right through to the awards presented at the finish line.

The Design Challenge

The organisers wanted something that felt premium without defaulting to another imported metal medal.

The medals needed to:

• Reflect the blossom theme.
• Stand out in finish-line photographs.
• Feel premium enough for runners.
• Work alongside a matching winner trophy.
• Stay true to the event's natural identity.

Why This Worked

Rather than engraving the finisher medals, the organisers chose full colour UV printing with metallic-effect inks.

This gave the medals much brighter colours while creating subtle metallic highlights that catch the light in photographs.

Meanwhile, the winners received engraved natural log slice trophies cut directly from timber, creating a clear distinction between finishing the race and standing on the podium.

• Premium metallic-effect UV print without using metal medals.
• Pink satin ribbons tied into the blossom branding.
• Natural log slice trophies made every winner's award unique.
• Matching artwork across medals and trophies created a consistent event identity.
• Wooden awards complemented the outdoor spring setting perfectly.

Lessons for Race Organisers

Cherry Blossom 5K demonstrates that premium doesn't have to mean expensive or traditional.

• Design medals and trophies together.
• Think about how awards will look in finish-line photos.
• Ribbon colour should reinforce your event branding.
• Mix different production methods if it improves the final result.
• Natural materials often fit outdoor events better than generic metal medals.

Case Study Summary

The Final Result

The finished awards looked premium while staying true to the event's identity.

Every finisher received a colourful wooden medal that stood out immediately, while the engraved log slice trophies gave overall winners something genuinely distinctive.

Together they created a finish-line experience that felt far more considered than simply ordering standard medals from a catalogue.

Planning Your Own Running Event?

Whether you're organising a charity run, trail race, 5K, 10K or themed community event, we'll help you create awards that fit your event rather than forcing your event to fit standard medals.