The 2026 Copenhagen Marathon medal is designed by Jonas and Martin from the design studio TOT. We asked them to share how they worked to capture the city’s distinctive features, so every marathon runner can take home a beautiful keepsake reflecting the soul of Copenhagen.
What was your first thought when asked to design a medal for a marathon in Copenhagen?
“Awesome! We haven’t tried that before! It’s going to be fun and different. And in a world where most things are digital, we love it when our design gets produced physically.”
What went through your minds when creating the medal?
“We were specifically asked to create a collage for the Copenhagen Marathon medal. We have worked with and developed collages for many years, and it’s one of our favorite ways to express ourselves graphically. Usually, though, it’s for print, so what was unique about the Copenhagen Marathon collage was that it had to become a physical product.
Additionally, the medal is a relatively small ‘canvas’ to design on. The challenge was to represent Copenhagen as clearly and simply as possible, without compromising the overall aesthetics and design.”
How did you choose the different features of Copenhagen to include on the medal?
“We tried to capture a combination of general landmarks and what we feel is the true ‘essence’ of Copenhagen. It’s a mix of the new and modern – blended with the recognizable and historic. Copenhagen is a relatively small city, yet still a metropolis with everything it offers. That’s exactly what makes it unique, and that’s what we wanted to show.”
How did you work together on the medal? Was there a division of roles?
“When we create a graphic collage, it’s like a digital puzzle. First, we select all the buildings and elements together that we want to include in the design. Then they’re ‘cut out’ on the computer, and we start combining them in every possible way.
At first, you can’t really do anything wrong, but after several versions, the final layout starts to take shape. We usually start together to find the overall look, but once the basic form is set, we send the design back and forth between us until it’s complete. Fortunately, we’re good at reaching an agreement in the end.”
What do you hope the medal conveys about Copenhagen to runners coming from afar?
“We hope it’s clear that we’re proud of our city – that it has history, and an exciting future.”
Do you plan to participate in Copenhagen Marathon yourselves, so you can wear the medal?
“I (Jonas) ran Copenhagen Marathon in 2019 and was briefly tempted to do it again when we got the assignment. But I quickly realized that my fitness isn’t quite there this year. But we will definitely be participating as spectators, cheering everyone on.”
About TOT
Design studio TOT is made up of the two graphic designers and illustrators, Jonas and Martin, who graduated from DMJX (the Danish School of Media and Journalism). They started their own small studio immediately after leaving school and have just celebrated their 15-year anniversary. Copenhagen forms a large part of their DNA, and they have always found inspiration from living and working in the city. Both grew up with graffiti, skateboarding, and music as their driving creative forces. In addition, they have a band and are multi gold- and platinum-winning rappers.
