You Ran 26.2 Miles. Your Car Should Know: Runner & Triathlon Chrome Emblems
Picture it. Mile 22. Your legs have filed a formal complaint, a stranger is holding a sign that says "Touch here for power," and you're doing math about how many bagels are waiting at the finish. Then you cross the line, someone hangs a medal around your neck, and for about a week you tell everyone. Then the medal goes in a drawer.
A runner chrome emblem is the part of the brag that doesn't go in a drawer. It rides on your trunk lid and quietly says "yes, I did that" at every red light for years.
Pick your distance
The runner and triathlon collection is built around the numbers runners actually earn, each sold as its own emblem:
- 13.1 ovals for the half marathon, in blue, pink or white.
- 26.2 ovals for the full marathon, in blue, pink or white.
- 70.3 and 140.6 ovals for half-distance and full-distance triathletes, the people who looked at a marathon and said "what if we swam and biked first?"
- Distance Accomplished shields with a man or woman runner silhouette, for a bolder badge look.
- The runner stick figure, an all-chrome runner mid-stride, for anyone who'd rather not commit to one number. It also comes as a 20 pack for running clubs and teams.
What it's made of
- 3D ABS automotive plastic. The ovals have a chrome edge and a domed color insert, so the number pops.
- 3M adhesive backing. It's peel-and-stick, with no drilling.
- Weatherproof and car-wash safe. It won't harm your paint.
- About 2 x 3 inches for the ovals and the stick figure. That's small enough to look classy and big enough to read in a parking lot.
Where to put it
- The rear corner of the trunk lid or hatch is the classic spot, opposite the model badge.
- A matched pair works if your household has two runners: a 13.1 on one side and a 26.2 on the other makes for fun dinner-table rivalry.
- A gym bag box, locker, cooler or bike trainer stand works too, as long as the surface is smooth and hard.
Avoid textured trim, seams and sharp body lines. The adhesive needs a smooth surface to grab.
Sticking the landing
- Clean the spot with soap and water, then wipe it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
- Hold the emblem in place with the backing still on, step back and check that it's level.
- Peel, press and hold firm pressure for about 30 seconds, about the length of a really good stretch.
- Skip the car wash for a day or two while the adhesive sets.
In cold weather, apply it in a garage so the panel isn't freezing.
A gift that crosses the finish line on time
Turkey trot season and holiday gifting are right around the corner, and a runner emblem fits in a stocking or tucked into a card for the friend who just finished their first half. These emblems are in stock and ship the next business day, and standard shipping is free on U.S. orders over $55, so it's easy to grab one for each runner in the family. Quantities are limited. Once they're gone, they're gone.
Find your distance in the runner and triathlon chrome emblem collection at ChromeAutoEmblems.
