Case Study: How the Bad Bunny 5K Used a Color-Changing Medal to Elevate the Race Experience

As race directors continue looking for ways to create more engaging and memorable events, one detail is often underestimated:

The finisher medal.

Traditionally seen as a post-race reward, medals are increasingly becoming part of the overall event experience—before, during, and after race day.

The 2026 Bad Bunny 5K & Double Bunny 10K, taking place on April 18 at Addison Oaks Park in Leonard, Michigan, offers a great example of how a thoughtfully designed medal can go beyond tradition.

From Finisher Reward to Experience Element

The Bad Bunny event is known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere, with distances designed for a wide range of participants and a course that is accessible and engaging.

For 2026, the organizers introduced a new medal concept that adds an interactive element to the participant experience.

Rather than remaining visually static, the medal reacts to sunlight—gradually shifting in color as exposure increases.

This simple but unexpected effect creates a moment of discovery:

Runners notice the change outdoors
Participants compare medals with each other
Photos and videos naturally follow

What might seem like a small design choice becomes something participants actively engage with.

Creating Engagement Beyond the Finish Line

One of the challenges many events face is how to extend the participant experience beyond race day.

A medal like this helps bridge that gap.

Because the design changes depending on sunlight exposure, it encourages participants to:

take it outside again
show it to friends and family
share it on social media
revisit the memory of the event

This transforms the medal from a static keepsake into something more dynamic—something that continues to create interaction even after the event is over.

Why Interactive Elements Matter

In today’s event landscape, runners are not just participants—they are also content creators.

They document, share, and amplify their experiences.

That means events benefit when there are elements that are:

•visually interesting

•slightly unexpected

•easy to capture and share

Interactive race swag—whether it’s a medal that changes color or a shirt that reveals a hidden message—can naturally create those moments.

Instead of asking participants to share, these elements give them something worth sharing.

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Designing with Intent

The 2026 Bad Bunny medal was designed and produced by Magic Race Swag as part of a broader effort to explore how interactive elements can enhance race experiences.

The goal was not to make the medal more complex, but to make it more engaging.

By introducing a sunlight-activated color change, the design adds a layer of interaction without changing the structure of the event itself.

This kind of approach allows race directors to:

differentiate their event
create small “wow moments”
increase participant engagement
extend post-event visibility

All through a single, well-considered design choice.

A Small Detail with a Larger Impact

As more events look for ways to stand out, it’s becoming clear that impact doesn’t always come from large changes.

Sometimes, it starts with one detail.

One idea.

One moment that catches attention.

For the Bad Bunny 5K, the medal is more than a finish line item—it’s part of the overall experience.

And for race directors, it’s a reminder that even a single design decision can influence how an event is remembered, shared, and talked about.

About Magic Race Swag

Magic Race Swag specializes in interactive race merchandise designed to enhance participant engagement and event visibility.

From color-changing medals to sweat-activated shirts and glow-in-the-dark designs, the focus is on creating race-day experiences that extend beyond the event itself.

Interested in exploring interactive ideas for your event?

Visit www.magicraceswag.com or request a FREE sample kit to see how these concepts work in real life.