BELAU OMAL MARATHON

2023 Palau Marathon
The first “Belau Omal Marathon” was successfully held on June 4, 2023, drawing global attention. It featured over 530 runners from more than 20 countries around the world, who traveled great distances to participate in the event. The opening ceremony, marked by the traditional Palauan conch shell blowing, was graced by the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., who expressed gratitude to the international runners for their significant participation. The event was held on a date symbolizing President’s Day in Palau, adding a sense of heritage.

It is an honor to design the finisher medals for this international marathon event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan. The medal design incorporates Palau’s local natural landscapes and cultural scenes, including the well-known golden jellyfish, corals, devilfish, coconut trees, and the rare national flower of Palau, Bikkia Palauensis. Additionally, traditional men’s meeting houses and the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, representing the start and end points, are also integrated into the design of the finisher medals.

The full marathon medals are gold-plated with 11 colors of enamel paint, measuring 90mm in diameter. The half marathon medals are silver-plated, while the 5K/10K category medals are in antique silver, measuring 70mm in diameter.