Charity 5K and fundraiser shirts: cost, timeline and sponsor backs
One hundred event tees with your logo on the front and sponsor logos on the back cost $11 each — $1,100 shipped free; front only is $8 each. Order three weeks before the event so sponsors who confirm late can still make the back.
What event shirts cost
| Quantity | Front only | Front + sponsor back | Total with sponsor back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 tees | $9 | $12 | $600 |
| 100 tees | $8 | $11 | $1,100 |
| 150 tees | $8 | $11 | $1,650 |
| 250 tees | $7 | $10 | $2,500 |
Gildan 5000 tees, S–XL. A sponsor back with a dozen logos is printed full-color by DTF at the same price as one logo — there is no per-color or per-logo charge. A lighter 50/50 Gildan 8000 tee is $12 each at 100 with a back.
A timeline that survives late sponsors
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks out | Design the front. Set a sponsor deadline 3 weeks out. |
| 3 weeks out | Lock the sponsor list, send logos (vector if they have them), place the order. |
| Within 24 hours | Approve the proof — check every sponsor name. |
| 4 business days later | Shirts ship. Rush (2 business days, $50) is the safety net. |
How many of each size?
Registration data beats guessing: if runners pick a size when they sign up, order exactly that plus 5–10% spare in Medium and Large. Without data, follow the size curve in how many shirts to order and keep a few of each size for day-of signups.
Sponsor backs that look professional
- Group logos by sponsor level: the top sponsor larger, at the top.
- Ask for vector logos (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF); a logo pulled from a website is often too small to print sharp.
- Put the event name and date on the front, not the back, so photos tell the story.
- Leave a margin: a back print sits about 10–12 inches wide.
Raise money with the shirts
Sell supporter shirts to people who are not running with a group store: add up to $10 per shirt as a donation, everyone orders their own size, and one box ships free to the organizer.
Questions people ask
How early should we order 5K shirts?
Three weeks before the event. Production is 4 business days after proof approval; 2-day rush is available for a flat fee.
Do more sponsor logos cost more?
No. The back is printed full-color, so twelve logos cost the same as one.
Can we get performance (polyester) shirts?
Yes. DTF prints bond to polyester and blends; see the athletic styles in the catalog.
What if a sponsor confirms after we order?
Before you approve the proof, changes are free. After approval the order goes to print, so set your sponsor deadline before you order.
Prices are our live checkout prices on October 7, 2026 for the garments named; garment prices follow the supplier and every product page shows today's price. No setup fees, no quantity minimum, free shipping over $50.