Behind the Race Medals: Morgan Ashworth, Chief Operating Officer, Ashworth Awards

In this episode of What Runs a Run Pod, host Kamal Datta speaks with Morgan Ashworth, COO of Ashworth Awards, about the significance of medals in the running community, the evolution of the medal manufacturing industry, and the intricate processes involved in creating these awards. Morgan shares her personal journey in the family business, insights on leadership, and the importance of sustainability in production. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs on the industry and future trends in medal design and production. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

• Morgan's Path and Leadership Journey
• The Story of Ashworth Awards
• Inside the Medals Industry
• How Ashworth Works with Races like Boston Marathon
• Sustainability and Ashworth Awards
• Tariff and Medals Industry
• Future of Medals and Events
• Rapid Fire/Personal Round with Morgan

Episode Outline:

00:00 The Journey of Ashworth Awards

06:53 Leadership Insights from the Running Community 13:53 The Evolution of Medal Production

20:58 Sustainability in Medal Manufacturing

26:49 Impact of Tariffs on the Industry

27:39 Impact of Tariffs on Race Medals

30:09 Sustainability in Race Registrations

32:03 Ashworth Awards: A One-Stop Shop for Races

36:27 The Future of the Medal Industry

42:25 Rapid Fire and Personal Round

Mentions and References:

• Ashworth Awards Website - https://www.ashworthawards.com/
• Order Journey with Ashworth Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDpSFM49y-8
• WCV Boston News Feature- https://www.wcvb.com/article/sprint-to-finish-line-for-makers-of-boston-marathon-medals/46659133
• ​Kim & Dan Ashworth getting inducted to the Running USA Hall of Champions-https://www.runningusa.org/running-usa-news/running-usa-honors-industry-leaders-at-2025-industry-conference-in-louisville/
• New Article about Morgan Ashworth's run at Boston Marathon & broken foot: https://www.runningusa.org/running-usa-news/running-usa-honors-industry-leaders-at-2025-industry-conference-in-louisville/

Shownotes and Transcript - https://www.traxamo.com/boston-26-2-morgan-ashworth