Interview with René F. Müller AG about the 2025 City Run medal

This year's medal depicts the Middle Bridge around 1902/03 – in the middle of its reconstruction phase with the so-called emergency bridge in the background. The subject is rich in detail and historically significant. How did you approach the design – and how difficult was it to depict so many fine elements in such a small space?

When creating the plaster relief, we divided the subject into three areas/backdrops. This helped us to ensure that the spatial effect was not lost despite the many details and the low relief height.
First, we modelled the background with the city backdrop and the trees on the banks of the Rhine.
Then it was the turn of the second area, the emergency bridge and the river. Finally, the front bridge on the striking wooden pillars was converted into a relief.

Can you give us an insight into how the process works, from the initial idea to the finished medal? How exactly is such a small work of art created – from the sketch to the plaster model to the finished piece?

We try to create a relief model that is as detailed as possible from the sketch. To ensure that we succeed in doing so, the model is modelled many times larger (usually about four times) than the actual medal. This allows the details to be worked out more precisely. We submit the finished model (or a photo of it) for review, as it can still be easily modified on the plaster. Once approved, we cast a negative model from acrylic resin. We then need this negative model to manufacture the embossing tool. We manufacture the embossing tool using a copy milling machine. The copy milling machine scans the negative model and simultaneously mills the scanned image into a piece of steel in the set size – millimetre by millimetre. The milled steel is then hardened so that it can withstand a pressure of approx. 500 tonnes. From then on, we are ready for the actual production.

The medals are all minted from pure copper. Copper is extremely malleable, allowing the details to be beautifully accentuated, yet hard enough to be bent by hand. We cut the copper as precisely as possible to the size of the medal for two reasons: firstly, for environmental reasons. Even though we recycle the punching waste by type, we still try to use as little as possible. Secondly, the minting machine requires less force to mint the image, as there is less friction, allowing us to mint in greater detail. After embossing, the medals are punched out and can either be silver-plated or gold-plated, which is done by an electroplater, or remain in copper with us. Copper and silver medals are then blackened using sulphur liver and then brushed individually by hand on a brushing machine. This ensures that the medals retain their blackening in depth, creating a depth effect. The medals are then sealed with clear varnish and the neck straps are attached. The medal is now complete – made in Basel!

Your company has a long tradition in the production of badges and medals. How long has René F. Müller AG been in existence, and what challenges are you currently facing in your craft?

René F. Müller AG has been in existence since 1920, when it was founded as a sole proprietorship by Mr Felix Müller. With me, René F. Müller AG is now in its fourth generation. In addition to the challenge posed by competitors, often from the Far East, offering medals at more favourable conditions, we try to convince our customers above all with quality, reliability and flexibility. We are continuously optimising our processes by trying out new (computer-assisted) manufacturing techniques, adapting our production accordingly and expanding our range where it makes sense to do so. However, the shortage of skilled workers is also a pressing issue for us at the moment, as the profession of engraver is unfortunately struggling.

How important is the connection to local events such as the Basel City Run for you – and what does it mean for your company to be involved in such a traditional event?

Connecting with local events is very important to us, whether in sport, carnival or other occasions, and we are happy that our work brings so much joy. We feel very connected to the Basel region and are delighted when we can contribute with our craftsmanship, as with the medals for the Basel City Run. For my employees and me, the production of the medals is one of the highlights of the year. From modelling the motif, which often involves a great deal of finesse, to the finished packaging, which can sometimes take several evenings – the Basel City Run is a matter close to the heart of René F. Müller AG and we are proud to be part of this traditional event.

Is there a detail or aspect of the medal that you particularly like?

I like the fact that both the Middle Bridge and the temporary bridge are depicted on the medal, thus showing a piece of the bridge's history that many people may not be aware of.
 I also really like the fact that we have the bridges from this perspective, as it shows them off to their best advantage, but also makes them very challenging to model, especially when you consider that we only have an old black-and-white photo and no opportunity to see the bridges with our own eyes on site. Seeing the final result on the medal is overwhelming for us too!

What message would you like to give to the runners who will receive their medals at the finish line on 22 November?

The medals awarded at the Basel City Run are more than just a reward for the fantastic performances achieved by the runners. They tell stories about Basel and create wonderful memories that heighten the anticipation for the next Basel City Run.