Great North Run Medals Mistake: Lessons in Design Accuracy and Local Knowledge
If you are a designer, you have probably felt that sinking feeling when something you thought was perfect hits print and it is wrong. Recently, the Great North Run medals made headlines for a major error: the wrong city and the wrong river were printed. As someone who regularly sends artwork to print, I empathise with the person who signed this off and everyone else who gave it the green light.
How Did This Happen?
Mislabelled Artwork
One common reason for design mistakes is mislabelled files. Someone grabs the wrong artwork from a folder, assumes it is the correct version, and suddenly it is approved for production. Designers know the importance of version control. Naming files clearly with dates or version numbers may not be glamorous, but it can prevent expensive mistakes like this one.
Rushed Job
Another possibility is a rushed job. Many designers have been there, working against tight deadlines. However, this seems unlikely in this case. The Great North Run has been held annually since 1981. It is a well-established event with a consistent route, leaving plenty of time to get the artwork right.
The (Possible) Real Issue: Lack of Local Knowledge
The medal appears to have been designed by someone who did not fully understand the history and spirit of the Great North Run. The route has been largely unchanged since the 1980s, when my grandma ran it. This kind of heritage deserves recognition and respect in design.
Local input and knowledge are critical in any project. Consulting people on the ground can prevent mistakes and ensure accuracy. Confusing Newcastle and Sunderland is a major faux pas in the North East of England and could have been avoided with proper consultation.
Key Lessons for Designers and Brands
Accuracy matters. Even small details can affect credibility.
Version control is essential. Clear file naming prevents costly mistakes.
Respect local context. Understanding history, geography, and culture ensures authentic design.
Consult the experts. Those with direct knowledge can help avoid embarrassing errors.
Final Thoughts
Design is not just about aesthetics. Accuracy, context, and respect are just as important. A small detail can tell a big story or turn a celebration into a cautionary tale. For anyone creating event artwork, this incident is a reminder: check, double-check, and always respect the heritage behind your design.