Does anyone else have an overflowing drawer of race shirts? I have nearly twenty years' worth, too many to wear but too meaningful to part with. Every shirt held a story—early morning start lines, finish-line celebrations, unexpected challenges, and moments that made the miles worth it. Blood, sweat, and tears, without the blood (unless you count toenails).
Instead of leaving them in a drawer, I chose the most special ones and turned them into something I could see and use daily: a quilt stitched together with memories of the miles.
I liked the idea of a race t-shirt quilt, but since I am the least crafty person on the planet, making one is far beyond my capabilities.
Sending My Shirts to Project Repat To Make A Race Shirt Quilt
My BFF is a highly talented, crafty extraordinaire who could make a quilt if she had the time. Still, we decided to send it off to Project Repat because they take all the hard work out of this project for a very reasonable price and about a six-week lead time. My friend purchased this for me as a Christmas gift. Learn how you can win one for yourself at the bottom of this post.
Cutting and Preparing the Shirts
I can barely cut in a straight line, so my friend helped me prep my shirts for the quilt. Project Repat requires shirts to be cut into panels before sending them in. This means separating the front and back panels of each shirt and only sending the panels needed for the quilt.Meeting Size Requirements
Each panel needs to meet specific dimensions to be used in the quilt. I learned this the hard way when I realized I had cut a few shirts that were too small. It’s important to check the guidelines before cutting to ensure every piece is large enough to be included.Choosing the Layout Option
Project Repat offers an option to arrange the shirt panels in a specific order for an additional fee. I chose to let them handle the layout, and it turned out great. If you have a specific arrangement in mind, you can pay extra to ensure it’s placed exactly how you want.Shipping the Panels
After placing an order online, Project Repat sends a shipping label. I packed up my cut shirt panels and mailed them to their cut-and-sew factory in North Carolina, where they assembled the quilt.Receiving the Finished Quilt
After processing, they stitched everything together and in about six weeks, returned a completed quilt made from my favorite shirts. The result was a high-quality, memory-filled quilt without the skills needed to sew it myself.
I have many race memories worth preserving, and here are some of my favorites highlighted on my quilt:
Vegas at Night: Running with Rock' n' Blog
One of the most unforgettable races on my quilt? The Rock' n' Roll Vegas Half Marathon. I was part of the Rock' n' Blog team that year, and running down the Las Vegas Strip at night was surreal. The lights, the energy, the music—was electric. But that November night brought light rain and brutal winds, muted by the strip's sounds and lights, making every mile feel special. Nothing could take away from the experience of crossing the finish line and meeting my sister for dinner afterward.
The Pittsburgh Half Marathon: Hills and a Hometown Visit
Pittsburgh isn't known for being flat, and running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon meant tackling plenty of hills. But it was worth it—not just for the challenge but also for the chance to visit family, making it more than just a race. My husband ran his first half marathon with me, which made the experience extra special. followed by Priminti Brothers for a hometown post-race refuel.
A Race-Cation in San Diego
San Diego was the perfect excuse for a race-cation. I ran a race along the shoreline, soaking in the ocean views, and my husband met me at the finish line. It was one of those races that felt less like a competition and more like a reminder of how incredible it is to run in beautiful places. Post-race, we celebrated with food, sightseeing, and everything that makes a trip (and a race) worthwhile.
Toyota, MY BFF, and San Antonio
Some races feel like a personal victory, while others feel like a celebration. I knew it was special when Toyota sponsored my trip to the San Antonio Rock' n' Roll race and loaned me an SUV for my road trip. My best friend came along—not to run, but to cheer me on with big signs along the course. Running through the city with her support at every turn made it one of my most memorable races. Sometimes, the people on the sidelines make just as much of an impact as the ones running beside you.
Breaking Two For the First Time
Not all great memories are from out of town. The first time I broke a two-hour half marathon was at the Rock 'n Roll Dallas half. Some races no longer exist, but they live on in memories. I'm glad I have the shirt to preserve my memories.
First in My Age Group on My Birthday
The Plano Balloon Festival 10K holds a special place in my heart—not just because of the hot air balloons filling the sky, but because I placed first in my age group on my birthday weekend, the last year of my 40s. If there was ever a race result that felt like a gift, that was it. I remember my main goal was to run the race in less time than it took me to drive from Fort Worth to Plano.
Convincing My Husband to Run: The Star Wars Half
After we ran Pittsburgh, hubs said that was his 'one and done.' There was only one way I could convince my husband to run another half marathon: a Star Wars-themed race with a Stormtrooper medal. So, for our 18th anniversary, we ran the Disney Dark Side Star Wars Half Marathon together. Disney races are known for their atmosphere, but this one was extra special—not just because of the characters and costumes, but because I got to share it with him. I don't think he'll ever do another half, but we have these special memories!
Surf City and the Super Bowl
The Surf City Half Marathon in Huntington Beach landed on Super Bowl weekend. Running along the coast, with the ocean breeze pushing me forward, made for a perfect California race experience. I celebrated afterward like any runner would—eating all the post-race snacks and watching football.
Some Shirts are Hard-Earned!
And then there were the brutal summer series races—12 weeks of 5Ks in the Texas heat with the Trinity 5000. It was a test of endurance, consistency, and pure stubbornness. And I placed 3rd in my age group overall! They printed my name on a cotton T-shirt I would never wear, so I loved having this special memory embedded in my quilt.
Training Others for the 50th Anniversary Dallas Half
Some races are special because of personal achievements. Others stand out because of the people you train with. When I helped a group of women train for the 50th anniversary of the Dallas Half Marathon, it wasn't about my own finish—it was about watching them cross the line, many for the first time. That race wasn't just about running; it was about coaching, camaraderie, and the shared experience of taking on something hard together.
Enter to Win at the bottom of this post
A Quilt That Tells a Story:A GIVEAWAY
Instead of an overflowing drawer of shirts I never wear, I have a quilt that tells my running story. As I type this blog post, my quilt is draped over my lap. Every square reminds me of races I loved, races that challenged me, and those who were part of the journey.
If you have a pile of race shirts and aren't sure what to do with them, it may be time to give them a second life. I have partnered with Project Repat to give away a twin-size quilt (24 shirts) and the winner will receive a coupon code for their quilt (valued up to $110). Open to US residents 18 years of age or older.
Enter to win: Giveaway runs from February 17th-February 23 2025 winners will be selected randomly and announced by February 26th
What's your most memorable race t-shirt story? Let me know—I'd love to hear it!
Do you know someone who might want to win a tshirt quilt? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers.
Questions? I’d love to help.
I am a board certified health coach, personal trainer, and running coach, dedicated to helping you get strong, body and mind!
Win a Custom T-Shirt Quilt – Turn Your Memories Into Cozy Comfort!
Love your old race shirts but don’t wear them anymore? Enter to win a custom-made twin size t-shirt quilt ($110 value) and transform your favorite 24 running memories into something you can actually use! This is the perfect way to preserve your achievements while adding a personal, cozy touch!
Enter now for your chance to win!
Giveaway runs from February 17th-February 23 2025 winners will be announced by February 26th
Winner will receive a coupon code for their quilt (valued up to $110).