Running Imp is the UK’s established market leader in event supplies, medals, trophies and more.
We are the experts in event supplies. Running Imp is proud to be a one-stop shop, providing everything needed to host a successful event.
Predominantly supplying equipment to running events, we stock everything from event signage, branding and competitor identification, finisher’s medals, mementoes, trophies, awards and much more.
We are also proud to offer customers the choice to design and produce Custom Medals, through our sister company, Bespoke Medals & Pin Badges.
Running Imp has built a reputation on honesty, consistency and fair prices over the past 34 years. We’ve now extended our services to various sectors beyond Running events, including charities, schools, councils, colour runs, swimming and cycling events, and beyond.
Serving Customers Far and Wide
We serve a diverse range of customers, from those organising local village fun runs, to prestigious events across Europe, the Middle East, and even as far as New Zealand.
Each year, the Virgin Money London Marathon relies upon Running Imp to install, support, maintain and operate 41 timing clocks that line the course of this world-famous event.
Alongside operating the timing clocks, our Bespoke Medals & Pin Badges division is the official medal supplier to the 2022 Virgin Money London Marathon. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and can’t wait to see medals produced by us handed out on Sunday 2nd October 2022.
We produce over three million medals and trophies each year. Every medal that Running Imp sells is designed exclusively for and by us with our in-house engraving services also available to provide that personal touch.
Our purpose-built premises sit in the heart of Lincoln, where we engrave, assemble, stock and ship orders to your event date.
Running Imp – A Family Run Business
Chris Illsley founded Running Imp in 1988, with Office Junior Faye Watson joining the family-run business in 1991.
Faye’s loyalty, drive and dedication led her to the role of Managing Director of Running Imp. She’s celebrating her 31st Anniversary in the business this year.
In 2010, Bespoke Medals was launched to compliment Running Imp, allowing customers to use our Free Design Service to create their dream piece of memorabilia.
2018 saw Chris awarded the BEM for ‘Services to Charity in Lincolnshire’.
After the uncertainty that Covid-19 brought in 2020, 2021 saw us slowly but surely re-building the company.
As the multitude of fun runs, road races and mass participation events gradually started to return, it was also nice to see the resurgence of triathlons, swimming events and school sports days to once again put a smile back on people’s faces.
2022 also marks the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s Accession to the throne. To celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we offer a wide selection of commemorative products to mark this historic occasion, as she becomes the first British Monarch to achieve this noble milestone.
In 2021, after over 30 years at the helm, Chris stepped aside as CEO to become Chairman. Josh Illsley stepped up to the CEO role and continues to lead Running Imp through the tail-end of the pandemic, and onto a new chapter.
Service, Advice, Choice, Value
Allowing our team of specialists to thrive, Running Imp is proud to say our four key aims of service, advice, choice and value have truly stood the test of time.