A shadow box assembled by hand—filled with memories from a runner’s big day—is the ultimate sentimental gift. There’s something magical about seeing their actual race bib, medal, and photo beautifully displayed, connecting the blood, sweat, and tears of The Best Running Gear on Amazon According to Our Team to a single encapsulated story. It’s not just a frame or a case; it’s a celebration of personal triumph and grit, guaranteed to spark a smile and maybe even a tear when the runner receives it. Whether they choose to display on a shelf, in their office, or right above the mantel in a place of power, this is a great gift.
MedalAwardsRack 3 in 1 Shadow Box Display (Medal, Race Bibs, and Photo Display) – Marathon Medal Display, Marathon Medal Frame, Triathlon and Running Bib Holder.
Why Assemble It Yourself
Putting together the shadow box personally is where the magic happens. There’s a special intimacy in doing it on the down low where you secretly Nutrition - Weight Loss and medal, then slip in their favorite race photo so the display is ready to go. It’s like building a time capsule, one that tells an entire story with just three items. It shows a level of thoughtfulness that can’t be matched by off-the-shelf gifts. Even if all you can manage is to place the photo in the frame ahead of time, you’ve set the tone—the runner will instantly know this gift is all about them and their journey.
How to Assemble It
Start with a clean workspace and open the shadow box. Each piece—the bib, the medal, the photo—has its own spot, and how you arrange them is all laid out for you. Tape the bib lightly so it doesn’t sag, nestle the medal with the ribbon cascading alongside, and anchor the photo front and center. Most shadow boxes have hooks or foam stickers for easy medal display and a sturdy backing so everything stays in place. Alternatively, hat or dressing pins work in a pinch. Once assembled, every glance at the box is a trip back to the starting line, the last mile, and the finish tape.
Printing the Perfect Race Photo
Race photos are easy to find and print. First, hop onto the official race photographer’s website (popular ones include MarathonFoto and others tied to major races). Enter the runner’s bib number and browse all the shots from the course. Purchase a high-resolution file—they’re surprisingly affordable—and print it online or at big-box stores, drugstores, or even local photo labs in glossy finish for that professional look. If no official photographer is available, scour social media, race pages, or organizers for tagged candid shots. Choose a photo that captures their pride, joy, or raw exhaustion—something genuine.
Bringing Sentimental Joy
This is a gift meant to be displayed, not tucked away—a constant source of pride, inspiration, and nostalgia. When a runner sees their race story commemorated by someone who truly cares, it says “you’re seriously amazing for finishing.” It’s a tiny encapsulation of all the work they’ve put in, and it’s also a tiny encapsulation of how much you admire them for it.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
