Marathon T-Shirts: Deadlines, Quantities and Technologies 2025

Marathon T-shirts with full printing are usually produced in 5–10 business days, while smaller orders of up to 50 pieces take 5–7 business days. The choice of technology depends on the run size: up to 50 T-shirts, DTF printing is the most economical option; from 100 pieces with a 1–3 colour logo, screen printing becomes more cost-effective; and for breathable polyester sports shirts with full-surface designs, sublimation is the best choice. It's recommended to confirm your order at least 3 weeks before the event date, leaving time for sample approval and size adjustments.

How to choose a technology based on quantity

At sports events, a T-shirt serves two purposes — it's the participant's running gear and a carrier for sponsor branding at the same time. That's why both the fabric and the print's resistance to sweat and washing matter.

DTF (up to 100 pcs)

DTF film transfer works for both cotton and polyester sportswear. There's no limit on the number of colours, so photos, gradients and blocks of multiple sponsor logos cost the same as a single-colour print. Economically sound up to approximately 100 T-shirts.

Screen printing (from 100 pcs)

A classic choice for large runs with 1–3 colours. The larger the quantity, the lower the price per piece, as screen-making is a one-off cost. Screen printing with sports-grade inks withstands washing at 60°C well and is the most durable option for 500+ T-shirts.

Sublimation (for polyester shirts)

The ink penetrates the fabric fibres, so the print isn't tactile and doesn't limit breathability. Suitable for technical running shirts in light colours, when the design covers the entire surface or crosses seams.

Timeline by stage

Urgent jobs are assessed individually, but even a small batch of up to 50 T-shirts with single-sided printing should be expected to take around 5 business days after artwork approval — it's worth confirming the deadline with your project manager at the request stage.

Guide prices

Prices are given as a guide, excl. VAT, per piece, including the T-shirt and single-sided printing. The exact price depends on the T-shirt model, print size and number of colours.

A second print location (back, sleeve) usually adds 1.50–3.00 EUR per piece depending on the run size. Sponsor logos on sleeves are the most common addition, and it's worth agreeing on them in the first artwork draft rather than after the T-shirts have already been prepared for printing.

How many T-shirts to order and in what sizes

A practical breakdown for Latvian mass runs, where both adults and families take part, looks roughly like this:

• S — 10%
• M — 20%
• L — 25%
• XL — 25%
• XXL — 12%
• Kids' sizes — 8%

If you ask for sizes on the registration form, add a 5–8% buffer in the larger sizes — last-minute participants almost always choose L and XL. Women's fit T-shirts should be planned separately; they're usually one size smaller than unisex models.

We also work with single pieces — for example, a winner's T-shirt or organising team's apparel can be made separately while keeping the same design. More on materials and models: clothing printing and T-shirts.

Files and design

Designs should be submitted as vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf) in CMYK colour mode. Sponsor logos often reach us as JPGs from a website — these need to be redrawn before printing, which takes extra time. If a logo has a specific Pantone shade, please specify it, as screen printing colours are matched using the Pantone scale.

Practical tips:

• Minimum text height on a T-shirt — 5 mm, minimum thin line thickness 0.5 pt.
• On dark fabric, allow for a white underbase; this changes how colours look, which is why sample approval is important.
• Position the year and event number so the design can be reused next year with minimal changes.
• Reserve the sponsor block at the lower back or above the stomach area — it stays visible there in finish-line photos too.

Event branding in one order

T-shirts are rarely the only item ordered. In the same order, we usually also produce start and finish line banners, roll-up banner stands for the registration area, stickers for water bottles and the numbered zone, as well as diplomas and participant cards. Banners and roll-up stands: banners. Sponsor gifts — bottles, towels, caps and other items — can be found under promotional products with logo.

If everything is ordered at once, we adapt the design just once and organise delivery in a single trip to the event venue or your office in Riga.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get 300 marathon T-shirts with screen printing?

Expect 5–10 business days from artwork approval. If the T-shirts in your chosen colour and sizes are in stock, the lead time is usually 6–7 business days. It's recommended to start the order at least 3 weeks before the event.

Is it possible to order T-shirts with each participant's name?

Yes, we personalise with a name or number using DTF. The price for a personalised print is approximately 4.00–6.00 EUR per piece, depending on quantity. The list must be ready in an Excel file at least 5 business days before delivery.

What's the minimum quantity?

There's no minimum quantity — we even make a single T-shirt. However, for quantities up to 10 pieces, the price per piece is significantly higher, as the preparation work is the same regardless of quantity.

Will the print survive washing after the run?

Screen printing and sublimation withstand 50+ wash cycles at 40°C. DTF — around 30–40 cycles. In all cases, we recommend washing inside out and not ironing directly over the print.

Can you deliver T-shirts outside Riga?

Yes, we ship by courier throughout Latvia; delivery usually takes 1–2 business days once the order is ready. Pickup is also available at Kandavas iela 29A, Riga.

Send your design, approximate quantity and event date to info@attaprint.lv, call +371 25776699, or message us on WhatsApp at the same number. We prepare quotes within one business day.