Better than prize money or trophies? Race rewards worth dreaming about

Prize money and record bonuses are increasingly common, and they certainly draw crowds to some events. But isn’t there something healthier and more human than receiving cash or a bank transfer? Winning something tangible can bring far more pleasure than money that simply goes towards the next bill.

Traditional medals, cups, trophies and even prize money for the first runners across the finish line: have they had their day? Races are getting creative. Beauty products, plants, hampers packed with local produce and even trips to the islands are now up for grabs. These quirky rewards surprise winners and are far less likely to end up as coasters or bookends in the family home. Recognising the effort remains essential. But beyond celebrating performance, prizes are now designed to entertain, help people unwind, decorate the home or delight the taste buds. Race organisers are showing plenty of boldness, ingenuity and generosity to make it happen.

Foulées d’Île-de-France des Îles take the top spot

The male and female winners of the 10K at Foulées d’Île-de-France des Îles, organised by the Accolade association, receive a ticket to the islands: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion or elsewhere. The winners get to choose their destination. This unique prize would not exist without the generous support of the event’s partner, Billetsdiscount.com. It marks a turning point for running, offering a one-of-a-kind chance to fly off into the sunshine. The link with the race, which will celebrate its 30th edition next July, is obvious. The question now is whether a new anniversary-inspired idea can surprise the front-runners even more. They already have the privilege of finishing at the Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, the dream setting for winning a flight to the Caribbean or a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean.

10K de l’Avonnaise comes up with something new every year

The organisers of 10K de l’Avonnaise have worked hard to pull one original idea after another out of the hat. The event was launched in 2018 by the Tac-Tam association (Tout Avon Court, Tout Avon Marche), before Avon Athlétisme Club took over in 2023. Last year, the winners went home with their hands full: one with an Yves Rocher kit containing a small toiletry bag, a large shower gel, dry shampoo, a bottle of liquid shampoo, a bottle of micellar water, a large bottle of perfume, a brush, foundation and a voucher for a back treatment at a spa; the other with a bouquet of flowers, a lovely way to look after the body after the effort.

At the 2025 edition of this race in Seine-et-Marne, between the Seine and the forest, the top three received saucisson, a plant and a wall plaque for displaying their medals. The winner also took home a hamper.

More eccentric than Pig & Run?

Pig & Run has sparked strong reactions since it was created. This festive trail race covers 23.5 km around the Ria d’Étel in Morbihan, Brittany, and has been at the centre of controversy after offering the winner of its fancy-dress contest their body weight in pork. Keen to promote their profession, Breton pig farmers have chosen to showcase the pig in all its forms.

To see the animals alive, runners only need to look around at the start and finish, where a pig farm is located. To find them cooked, they can stop at the pork stands along the course. And to witness the grand finale, they have to stay until the end. The best costume wins its wearer’s body weight in pork, while a whole roast pig is ready to be enjoyed by hungry participants.

Cooper’s Hill Cheese‑Rolling and Wake, for cheese fanatics

A 3.6-kilogram round of cheese rewards the winners of the various events at the Cooper’s Hill Cheese‑Rolling and Wake. Held every May for the past three centuries, this British race draws an impressive crowd: around 15,000 spectators and 200 participants near Cheltenham and Gloucester, in south-west England. What better way to hit the mark than with a wheel of cheese?

The rule is simple and effective: the first person to reach the bottom wins, whether they catch the cheese or not. The rules were changed because the wheel can reach speeds of 100 km/h. The aim is to race down a steep slope about 200 m long as fast as possible, chasing the huge wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.

Hampers to delight the taste buds

Winners at the Amiens Marathon are well rewarded. The hampers, packed with quality products including crisps, apple juice, biscuits, beer, jam, pâté and brioche bread, can keep them supplied for several months. They are handed out by members of Amicale du Val de Somme, the club behind the race.

At the Ekiden de Montgeron, a relay race for pairs or teams in Essonne, the wicker baskets given to the leading women’s, men’s and mixed teams are a little less lavish, but still tempting: local honey, durum wheat pasta made on the farm, peppermint syrup, and a hazelnut, honey and chia seed protein bar. All the products are supplied by Essonne Tourisme and Apirun.

There is a bit of everything among these rewards. Organisers are just as keen to treat their participants as they are to offer them surprising gifts. Every winner can find something to enjoy, and that is what really matters.

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