Why Work With Us?

Why choose us?

We are the UK’s market leader in mass participation event supplies and sports medals. We offer everything you could possibly need when organising an event, large or small, to help make it a success.

Our reputation for excellent quality and service grows year on year. We produce over 4 million medals annually, exclusively designed and engraved from our headquarters.

We understand that a design has to be eye-catching, original and something that is cherished for many years to come, that’s why we’ve built an experienced creative team to ensure that your medal stands out.

Visit our website for a full range of Platinum Jubilee products

Starting in 1988, founder Chris Illsley BEM turned his passion for running into a business that spans 3 decades. From his living room, “The Running Imp” was founded. Shortly afterwards it transformed into “Running Imp International” aiming to supply events across the world. Moving from the living room into a rental unit in the 90’s, Chris continued to build the business into a success.

Bespoke Medals was launched in 2010 to compliment the Running Imp brand with the aim of offering customers a more personalised service to suit their needs.

In 2018 Chris was awarded the BEM for ‘Services to Charity in Lincolnshire’. In September 2021, after over 30 years at the helm, Chris stepped aside as CEO and became Chairman. Josh Illsley took over as CEO and continues to lead Running Imp through the global pandemic and onto a new chapter in our history.

Chris & Josh Illsley

After the uncertainty of the past two years, it is fantastic to see the events industry and mass participation and fundraising events returning, and with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Platinum Jubilee it will also bring people together to celebrate with Street parties and celebrations throughout the UK.

Don’t take our word for it...

We’re incredibly proud of the service and support offered by our fantastic staff, and with a Trustpilot score of 4.9, you don’t have to just take our word for it.

I have worked closely with Running Imp for several years on medal production for our portfolio of events. They have consistently provided high quality products on time alongside excellent customer service. This has been evident over the last two years throughout Covid-19 where they have shown flexibility and a true understanding of the dilemmas event organisers have faced.

- London Marathon Events

Running Imp has proven time after time to be a reliable, efficient, and affordable company to purchase event supplies from. The team offer first class customer service, and our orders have continually been fulfilled smoothly and to a high standard.

- Belfast City Marathon

Working with Running Imp is always one of the highlights of our event.

Even though we’re on separate continents, their team is always very responsive and receptive of what we are trying to achieve with our medals.

Running Imp’s artwork and designs produce high quality medals that we are proud to share with our runners.

- Las Vegas Great Santa Run

BTR has enjoyed a very long and successful working relationship with Running Imp dating back to 1994. They have provided a first class service at all times and I would recommend them to anyone looking for running event materials from high quality medals to simple course signage... and everything in between.

- BTR Liverpool

We have used Running Imp for 25 years for all our medal and trophy requirements, which is now approaching nearly half a million medals! The design, production and delivery process is easy and is to a exceptionally high standard. Customer care is at the heart of what they do and we wouldn't go anywhere else.

- Panathlon Challenge

Sustainability.

At Running Imp we care passionately about the environment and sustainability. We are addressing how we run our operations, supply chain, packaging materials, water and energy use.

All of our medals are made from environmentally friendly metals that are 95% recyclable and aim to be 100% recyclable by 2025. We also offer a recycling scheme for leftover medals after your event. They can be returned to us to be recycled with a metal recycling firm, European Metal Recycling Ltd, who we have a strong partnership with.

For a smaller footprint, we offer wooden medals that are made from FSC 100% sustainable wood and samples can be sent upon request.

Our ribbons are made with environmentally friendly non-toxic inks and we offer Recyclable Heat Transfer and Recyclable RPET Yarn Ribbons.

We’re also conscious of plastics, and are working on removing it from our products and offering alternatives that are made from recyclable material such as our flag branding material and supplying wooden stakes instead of plastic stakes.

Our Packaging.

Our standard packaging for bespoke medals and pin badges is mainly plastic free, wrapped in tissue paper with our aim to reduce overall plastic use.

We reuse packaging from our supply chain, including shredding cardboard to use as packaging in our warehouse.

Our packaging is sourced, manufactured, and recycled using renewable energy.

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Ethical corporate responsibility.

At Running Imp we believe strongly in ethical principles and good stewardship. We are therefore proud to guarantee that we trade in accordance with the International Labour Organisation’s ETI Base Code & independently audit our suppliers on an annual basis to ensure that: All employment is freely chosen.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic and our management team are trained first aiders.

Working hours are not excessive and comply with national laws.

Living wages are paid, meeting national legal and industry benchmark standards.

No harsh, cruel or degrading treatment or practices are permitted.

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected. Our workers are free to join trade unions and ethical issues are dealt with in an efficient and transparent manner.

All audits are available on request, or alternatively visible through the Sedex Global platform.

SEDEX COMPANY REFERENCE - ZC1053880

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Companies we work with.

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More than just medals.

Whether you’re looking for a new corporate collection, promotional products or merchandise for events, we’ll thoughtfully design a range to reflect your distinct brand, timescales & budget.

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