12 Mar The Medal Behind One of Ireland’s Most Iconic Marathons — Connemara International Marathon 2026
How Swift Event Supplies manufactured the official Connemara International Marathon medals for 2026, bespoke recycled metal finisher medals for one of Ireland’s most iconic and celebrated endurance events, the 23rd Connemarathon taking place on 19 April 2026 in Galway, Ireland. Most distances are already sold out — check availability here
Bespoke recycled metal finisher medals for Connemara International Marathon 2026 — 21K half marathon, 42K full marathon and 63K ultra marathon medals with antique silver finish and colour-coded ribbons, manufactured by Swift Event Supplies.
One of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon Settings
There are running events. And then there is Connemara.
The Connemara International Marathon takes place across some of the most breathtaking terrain in the world — rugged Atlantic coastline, ancient bog roads, and the dramatic mountain landscapes of Connemara National Park in County Galway, Ireland. It is the kind of course that stops runners in their tracks, not just with its physical demands but with its raw, other-worldly beauty.
Now in its 23rd year, the Connemarathon on 19 April 2026 is once again one of Ireland’s most in-demand running events — with most distances already sold out and thousands of runners from Ireland, the UK, and across the world travelling to take on three distances: the 21K half marathon, the 42K full marathon, and the gruelling 63K ultra marathon. It is an event that demands everything from its participants. The medal waiting at the finish line needs to reflect that.
Ray O’Connor Returns — The Founder Behind the Vision
The Connemara International Marathon was founded by Ray O’Connor, a man whose vision turned a wild corner of western Ireland into one of the most celebrated marathon destinations in the world. After a period away, Ray returned as Race Director ahead of the 2026 event, bringing with him the passion and attention to detail that made Connemarathon the event it is today.
Swift Event Supplies has worked alongside the Proactive team for over 10 years, manufacturing bespoke medals for events across their portfolio, including Run Galway Bay and Portumna Forest Marathon. The Connemara International Marathon 2026 marks an exciting new addition to that partnership, built on trust, shared standards, and a mutual commitment to giving runners a finish line experience they will never forget.
When Ray returned to the helm, the brief for the 2026 medals was clear: they needed to honour the landscape, the history of the event, and the extraordinary effort of every runner who crosses the finish line.
The Medal Design: Carrying the Connemara Landscape
The 2026 Connemara International Marathon medals were designed by Proactive Design and Marketing and manufactured by Swift Event Supplies in recycled zinc alloy with a full antique silver finish.
The design centres on a bold raised distance numeral, 21K, 42K or 63K — anchored by a sculpted mountain relief that echoes the peaks and valleys runners pass through on race day. Silhouetted runner figures circle the medal face, capturing the spirit of the event and the community of athletes who make Connemarathon what it is.
Each distance has its own colour-coded sublimation printed ribbon, making the three medals instantly distinguishable and giving each finisher something specific to their achievement. Running 63K across Connemara is a different feat from running 21K. The medals reflect that.
Three Distances. Three Medals. One Standard of Craftsmanship.
The Connemara International Marathon 2026 medal collection. 21K, 42K, and 63K finisher medals manufactured in recycled metal by Swift Event Supplies, photographed on location in Connemara.
21K — Half Marathon
The half-marathon covers 21 kilometres of Connemara’s iconic landscape. Open to runners of all abilities, the 21K attracts thousands of participants every year — many experiencing Connemarathon for the first time. The antique silver 21K medal with blue half-marathon ribbon is a finish line moment that stays with runners long after race day.
42K — Full Marathon
The full 42K marathon is one of the most scenically stunning and demanding marathon routes in the world. Runners pass through Connemara National Park, along the shores of Killary Harbour, and across open Atlantic bogland. The antique silver 42K medal with green full marathon ribbon is a mark of serious endurance.
63K — Ultra Marathon
The 63K ultra is Connemarathon at its most extreme. A distance that tests even the most experienced endurance athletes across some of the wildest terrain in Ireland. The antique silver 63K ultra marathon finisher medal with red ribbon is one of the most hard-earned in Irish running.
Manufactured in Recycled Metal — Sustainability at Scale
Every Connemara International Marathon 2026 medal is manufactured from recycled zinc alloy — a sustainable material that reduces raw metal extraction without compromising the weight, strength, or premium finish expected from a die-cast event medal.
For an event set in one of Ireland’s most protected natural landscapes, sustainability matters. Swift Event Supplies is committed to offering recycled metal medal options as standard — helping event organisers align with environmental goals while delivering a finish line product that runners are proud to own.
Medal specifications:
A Decade of Partnership — Why Long-Term Relationships Produce Better Medals
Swift Event Supplies has worked alongside Proactive Design and Marketing for over 10 years, manufacturing bespoke medals for events across their portfolio, including Run Galway Bay and Portumna Forest Marathon. The Connemara International Marathon 2026 marks an exciting new addition to that partnership.
That depth of relationship means we understand what Proactive and their race directors demand, and we deliver to that standard consistently across every event in their calendar. When Connemarathon came to us for 2026, the brief was clear, and the trust was already established.
Long-term relationships are at the heart of how Swift Event Supplies works. We are not a catalogue supplier. We are a manufacturing partner, invested in the success of every event we work with.
About Swift Event Supplies
Swift Event Supplies are UK specialists in bespoke event merchandise, manufacturing recycled metal finisher medals, trophies, ribbons, and branded event products for mass participation running events, cycling events, triathlons, and more across the UK and Ireland.
Our range includes:
From initial design brief through to precision die-cast manufacturing, finishing, and delivery, we manage the entire production process, ensuring every medal meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Planning a marathon, ultra, or mass participation event in 2026 or 2027?
Get in touch with the Swift Event Supplies team to discuss your bespoke recycled metal medal requirements. We are already taking bookings for 2026 and 2027 events.
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