When you think of medals that are given out at races and other sporting events, the image that probably comes to mind is a chunky medallion on a fat ribbon that you wear proudly on the day of the event – and then promptly put away in your closet or junk drawer.

But what if you got a medal that not only commemorated the achievement, it was also beautiful enough to wear as genuine jewelry? That was the question behind the design of the medals for the Toronto Women’s ½ Marathon.

Hand-made by Slashpile Designs, this graceful sterling silver piece has been designed as a stylish and attractive memento that women will wear long after race day.

The medal features a stylized woman with her arms raised in victory and is an extension of the the ‘Victory Series’/‘Healthy Boys & Girls’ line by Slashpile Designs. The joyful pose evokes the feeling of achievement, while the silver ring commemorates your completion and participation in this special event.

Slashpile Designs was cofounded by two recent OCAD graduates. Twin designers Tara and Courtney Neray have been long-distance runners since the age of six and creating jewellery since the age of two and a half. (Seriously!) Now with Slashpile Designs, they combine the product-oriented discipline of industrial design with the artistic quality of fine craft.

Tara and Courtney are driven to create work of personal significance to the wearer. Drawing from an eclectic mix of experiences and interests, fused with a sense of humour and perceptive insight into human behaviour, they create pieces that are both meaningful to the wearer and pleasing to the eye.

Look for Tara and Courtney at the finish line of the Toronto Women’s ½ Marathon, and check out more of their work at www.SlashpileDesigns.com!