Samuel Rudin Trophy: The Award Presented to New York City Marathon Winners
Winners of the New York City Marathon do not receive a traditional cup. Waiting for them at the finish line is a sterling silver tray handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. The Samuel Rudin Trophy has a history spanning more than 40 years, and its name honors a running enthusiast and the family that helped support the growth of the New York City Marathon.
Samuel Rudin Trophy at a Glance
Since 1984, Tiffany & Co. has handcrafted the trophy presented to the winners of the New York City Marathon. Each tray takes approximately three months to complete.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maker | Tiffany & Co. |
| Material and Size | Sterling silver, approximately 30.5 cm (12 inches) |
| Production Time | Approximately 3 months |
| Design | An engraved course map with blue enamel and the winner’s name |
| Trophy Recipients | Winners of the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair divisions |
| Medallions | Gold, silver, and bronze for the top three finishers |
What Does the Trophy Look Like?
The Samuel Rudin Trophy takes the form of a 12-inch (approximately 30.5 cm) sterling silver tray. Its surface features a map of New York City’s five boroughs. The marathon course is highlighted in blue enamel, and the winner’s name is engraved on the trophy.
Each trophy is handcrafted in Tiffany & Co.’s workshops and takes approximately three months to complete. The brand also produces medallions for the top three finishers. The winner receives gold, the runner-up silver, and the third-place finisher bronze.
The History of the Award and the Rudin Family
The trophy honors Samuel Rudin, a distance-running enthusiast who competed for the Pastime Athletic Club in the Bronx between 1917 and 1923. In 1976, his sons, Jack and Lewis Rudin, provided financial support for the first New York City Marathon to run through all five boroughs. The event was part of the United States Bicentennial celebrations, and the trophy funded by the family was named in honor of their father.
The Rudin family remained closely connected to the marathon for decades. According to New York Road Runners, family representatives presented the Samuel Rudin Trophy to the winning athletes for 36 years. In 2012, NYRR honored the family with the Abebe Bikila Award in recognition of its long-standing commitment and contribution to distance running.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Jack and Lewis Rudin support the first five-borough marathon and fund a trophy in memory of their father. |
| 1984 | Tiffany & Co. begins handcrafting the Samuel Rudin Trophy. |
| 2012 | NYRR presents the Abebe Bikila Award to the Rudin family. |
| 2026 | Tiffany continues the more than 40-year tradition, producing trophies and medallions for the top finishers. |
The Tiffany & Co. Marathon Collection
The trophy is not the only Tiffany & Co. project connected to the New York City Marathon. The brand also creates a commemorative collection of silver accessories featuring the race logo. Items include pendants, bracelets, key rings, and cufflinks.
Jack and Lewis Rudin Award
The Rudin family name is also associated with another distinction presented by New York Road Runners. The Jack and Lewis Rudin Award is presented to the woman and man who raise the most funds for the organization’s youth and community programs. The award honors Jack Rudin (1924–2016) and his brother Lewis Rudin (1927–2001), long-time supporters of the New York City Marathon. Information about this award can be found, among other places, in the 2019 NYRR Media Guide.
Tiffany & Co. at the 2026 New York City Marathon
For the 2026 edition, Tiffany & Co. created special displays featuring the Samuel Rudin Trophy. One was located near the finish line in Central Park, where the sterling silver trophy was presented in a showcase in the brand’s signature Tiffany Blue. The brand also arranged an exhibition at its flagship The Landmark store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. According to RetailBOSS, the display was scheduled to remain open to visitors through November 2, 2026.
The displays highlighted the brand’s long-standing partnership with the New York City Marathon and its role as the maker of the awards presented to the top finishers.
Want to learn more about racing in New York? Explore our other articles about the marathon.
Sources: Tiffany & Co., Retailboss.com, Rudin.com, New York Road Runners.
