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Should races skip the swag?

Would you opt to pay less and say no to yet another race shirt?

six-star finisher Photo by: courtesy of Mary Ma

Have you ever signed up for a race and thought: but do I really need another race shirt? With event costs climbing and sustainability becoming a bigger priority, more races are rethinking the traditional model. Instead of automatically handing out T-shirts and medals that often end up forgotten in a drawer, many events now offer a no swag or bare-bones entry—letting runners skip the extras, sometimes for a lower registration fee. For those who race for the experience rather than the freebies, it’s a welcome change.

Disney Marathon medals

The green bib option

Some Canadian marathons, like the Calgary Marathon and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, have leaned into this idea with their Green Bib program, allowing runners to forgo the usual finisher gear. While it’s primarily a sustainability initiative, some races offering similar options do pass savings along to runners. At large events, race swag is a major expense—between sourcing, printing and shipping—so skipping it can mean a lower-cost bib. While the marathons mentioned are focused on reducing waste, their options reflect a broader trend of letting runners pay only for the race experience itself.

Calgary Marathon
Photo: RunCalgary

Trail races have been doing this for years

On the trail side, race director Gary Robbins has long been a proponent of minimalist racing. His Coast Mountain Trail Series in B.C. keeps entry costs lower by cutting out unnecessary perks. Many of his events skip medals and excess swag altogether, focusing on the experience rather than the extras. Trail runners have embraced this no-frills approach for years, and now, it’s making its way into road races. With more runners prioritizing affordability and sustainability, the days of mandatory race swag might be numbered.

Toronto Waterfront Marathon offers a new “green” bib program

#medalMonday or #nomedalMonday?

Some runners, especially those new to racing, treasure those medals and proudly display them as symbols of their achievements. When it comes down to it, it really only matters what your priority is: if you value the experience and a lower cost over the traditional race perks, opting for a no-swag option could be a perfect choice. For others, the medal and T-shirt are a cherished part of the race day memory. Ultimately, it’s all about choosing what makes your race experience most meaningful.

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