The Running Pages is our guide for race directors. I've directed many races over the years and I'm sharing some basic advice learned from experience as well as the companies I deal with for supplies.
For my awards, I've used Dinn Bros. Great quality, the prices are good and the service is fast.
We usually give trophies for the overall male and female finishers with a gift certificate from a sponsor. Then medals to the top 3 in each age catagory.
For smaller races a ten year age catagory works, but for larger I recomend five year age catagories. And Trophies to Top 3 Male and Female. Some races like plaques instead of trophies.
See their advertisment at www.therunningpages.com