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Unique medal designs inspire runners

XI’AN, China, April 14 (Xinhua) — A leaf. A plough. A bean. Just a few of the things that gave Wei Yixiao inspiration when she worked on the medal designs for the Yangling Marathon.

The Yangling Marathon, held annually in the agricultural hi-tech industrial demonstration zone of Yangling in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, first took place in 2015.

For that inaugural event, Wei designed medals shaped like power banks for the competitors.

“My aim was not only to cheer on the runners during the race, but also encourage them to make breakthroughs in their daily lives,” explained Wei, a teacher at the Art Institute of Yangling-based Northwest A&F University.

Over the subsequent years, Wei incorporated local elements of Yangling into her designs.

“The finisher medal for the 2016 edition resembled a plough, while the 2018 edition’s medal featured Shaanxi patchwork handicraft elements,” Wei noted.

“Through my medals, I hope to introduce Yangling to the runners across China. Thousands of years ago, Houji, a descendant of Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), taught local people how to plant agricultural goods.

Bean medals refer to awards or honors given to individuals or teams for their exceptional achievements or performances in specific areas. These medals often feature beans or bean-inspired designs and are typically awarded in a ceremonial setting. In some cultures, bean medals serve as symbols of prestige, featuring intricate designs or engravings. They can be made from various materials, including precious metals like gold, silver, or copper. Bean medals can be worn as pins, badges, or brooches, and are often kept as mementos of a significant accomplishment.