About
Where Quality Meets Creativity
We are passionate about celebrating achievements and creating unforgettable keepsakes for every occasion. Specializing in medals, we craft custom medals, race medals, and finisher medals that make every event memorable—from 5Ks and half marathons to marathons and beyond. Our expertly designed place medals, race ribbons, and custom lanyards elevate the experience for participants and winners alike. Beyond races, we offer challenge coins, lapel pins, and belt buckles, perfect for recognizing milestones, commemorating special moments, or showcasing team pride. With a commitment to quality and creativity, we bring your vision to life, ensuring each piece reflects the spirit of your event or organization.
Our Design Process
Initial Consultation
We start by discussing the client's needs, including any logos, themes, or specific design ideas they have.
Design Proposal
Our talented graphic designers create initial concepts based on the provided information.
Approval & Pricing
Once the design is approved, we provide detailed pricing based on the specifications and quantities.
Sample Production
For new clients or specific requests, we produce a sample to ensure satisfaction with the design and quality.
Full Production
Upon final approval, we commence full production, ensuring meticulous quality control at every step.
Delivery
We handle all logistics, shipping products directly to the client, whether produced domestically or overseas.
Our Team
MATT MERCURIO
Managing Partner
After studying economics and business at Villanova University in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa., Matt traveled around the world and spent some time in China to learn hands-on the inner workings of international trade and sourcing. The experience he gained was invaluable, working his way from a warehouse worker for the fulfillment company Go East Promotions. In August 2015, Matt formed Stride Awards with his brother Connor and the two didn’t waste time establishing a strategic focus on custom race medals for the endurance industry. It’s an industry he knows a thing or two about, as a seasoned endurance runner and accomplished track and field competitor throughout high school, before transitioning into CrossFit and bodybuilding exercise. Matt has a strong stamina in sport and work; he’s known for being a workaholic so that each and every customer is a winner – fully satisfied with his or her experience at Stride Awards.
New Employee
Managing Partner
John Smith brings over a decade of experience in graphic design and custom medal creation to our team. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for turning ideas into tangible works of art, John has become an invaluable asset in ensuring our clients receive the highest quality products.
John’s journey in design began with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating, he honed his skills working with various design firms, where he specialized in creating custom awards and promotional items for high-profile events.
Joining our company in 2015, John quickly made a name for himself through his innovative designs and exceptional customer service. He works closely with each client to understand their vision and bring it to life, ensuring every medal is a unique representation of the event it commemorates.
In addition to his technical skills, John’s friendly and approachable demeanor makes him a favorite among clients. He is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable design process from start to finish, always going the extra mile to exceed expectations.
When he’s not designing stunning medals, John enjoys participating in local art shows, playing guitar, and volunteering with youth sports leagues in his community. His diverse interests and creative spirit are reflected in the dynamic and personalized designs he produces for our clients.
New Employee
Managing Partner
John Smith brings over a decade of experience in graphic design and custom medal creation to our team. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for turning ideas into tangible works of art, John has become an invaluable asset in ensuring our clients receive the highest quality products.
John’s journey in design began with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating, he honed his skills working with various design firms, where he specialized in creating custom awards and promotional items for high-profile events.
Joining our company in 2015, John quickly made a name for himself through his innovative designs and exceptional customer service. He works closely with each client to understand their vision and bring it to life, ensuring every medal is a unique representation of the event it commemorates.
In addition to his technical skills, John’s friendly and approachable demeanor makes him a favorite among clients. He is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable design process from start to finish, always going the extra mile to exceed expectations.
When he’s not designing stunning medals, John enjoys participating in local art shows, playing guitar, and volunteering with youth sports leagues in his community. His diverse interests and creative spirit are reflected in the dynamic and personalized designs he produces for our clients.
Evolution & Adaptation
In 2015, working alongside our father in the promotional products industry, we noticed a significant demand for specialized products within the running community. Although we were already supplying to various industries, we realized the need for a brand that race directors could specifically identify with. Thus, Stride Awards was born, leveraging our existing network and production capabilities to quickly establish a foothold in the running events sector. Our mission became clear: to serve race directors with focused, dedicated services, providing them with the best possible products for their events.
Stride Awards has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of our clients. During the pandemic, we streamlined our production processes and focused on quick turnarounds to accommodate tighter schedules and budget constraints. This adaptability has strengthened our operations and enhanced our ability to meet diverse client demands efficiently.
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to creating unforgettable recognition items, we are the ultimate choice. Our expertise in designing custom medals, including race medals, finisher medals, and awards for 5K, half marathon, and marathon events, ensures your participants leave with a lasting memento of their achievements. Beyond medals, we specialize in challenge coins, lapel pins, and distinctive belt buckles, offering unique ways to commemorate your event. We also provide premium place medals, custom lanyards, and race ribbons that add the perfect finishing touches to your awards. With unmatched attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence, we bring your vision to life and make every event truly memorable.
