From the Classroom to the Starting Line: The Story Behind the 2026 RevRun T-Shirt

Every year, runners cross the finish line at Washington Crossing Historic Park proudly wearing their RevRun commemorative t-shirt. It's more than race swag — it's a wearable piece of history, a keepsake that marks another July 4th spent doing something extraordinary. So when we sat down to think about what the 44th Annual RevRun t-shirt should look like, we decided to do something we'd never done before.

We handed the design over to the next generation.

A Competition Born from Community

This year, we partnered with the art programs at Council Rock North and Council Rock South high schools and invited students to compete for the honor of designing the official 44th Annual RevRun commemorative t-shirt. The brief was simple but ambitious: create something unique, new, and exciting that captured the spirit of both the 44th Annual RevRun and America's 250th Birthday. The designs had to work in just two colors — a creative constraint that pushed every entrant to think boldly and deliberately.

And these students did not disappoint.

The entries were stunning. Design after design came in that was imaginative, patriotic, and race-ready. Judging the competition was no easy task, with a panel made up of two Council Rock art teachers, two Upper Makefield Business Association members, and one local artist — all bringing their own perspective to what makes a great RevRun t-shirt.

The Prize — and the Pressure

The stakes were real. The winning design wouldn't just hang in a classroom or live in a portfolio — it would be worn by more than 1,600 runners on July 4th at one of Bucks County's most beloved race events. And beyond that incredible honor, the winner would receive a $1,000 scholarship prize.

And the Winner Is…

We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the 2026 RevRun T-Shirt Design Competition is Elizaveta Kutyeva from Council Rock South! Elizaveta — known to her friends as Liza — is a junior who will be graduating next year, and her winning design is already making waves before a single runner has laced up their shoes.

The Design: Speed, Myth, and Motion

Liza's design captures the energy and excitement of the 44th Annual RevRun in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The artwork features a nod to the iconic wings that are part of the USATF logo, but Liza took that symbol even deeper — drawing inspiration from the Talaria, the legendary winged sandals of Hermes, the messenger god of Greek mythology (known as Mercury in Roman myth). These mythical golden sandals, forged by the master blacksmith Hephaestus himself, granted Hermes the ability to fly with the speed of a bird.

It's a fitting symbol for a race. Speed. Freedom. Flight. The feeling every runner knows when they find their stride.

The two-color design constraint only makes the result more impressive — proof that great art doesn't need excess, just vision.

Come Say Hi to Liza on Race Day!

Elizaveta and her mom will be at the registration tent on race day, alongside the incredible team of 80 volunteers who make RevRun possible every year. We hope you'll stop by, congratulate her in person, and tell her what her design means to you as you wear it across the finish line.

RevRun Is More Than a Race — It's a Community

A t-shirt design competition with local high school students. A July 4th race at a historic park. More than 1,600 runners from 17+ states. None of it happens without a community that shows up — and shows up big.

The 44th Annual RevRun is organized and marketed by the volunteer members of the Upper Makefield Business Association (UMBA). We pour our hearts into this event every year because we believe in what it stands for — community, celebration, and giving back. But we would be the first to tell you: we couldn't do any of this alone.

This event is a true community effort, and we want to take a moment to recognize everyone who makes it possible:

🏫 Council Rock School District — Thank you for embracing this t-shirt competition with enthusiasm and grace. Working with your students and faculty has been an absolute joy, and Liza's design is proof of the incredible talent in your classrooms.

🏛️ Upper Makefield Township — To the Township Manager and employees who support us at every turn, and to the Upper Makefield Public Works team who help make race day run smoothly: thank you.

🚒 Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company — Your presence and support keep our community safe and strong.

🚑 Newtown Ambulance Squad — We are grateful for your professionalism and care every single year.

👮 Upper Makefield Police Department — Thank you for keeping our runners, volunteers, and spectators safe on race day.

🌲 DCNR & The Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park — Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of the most beautiful and historically significant settings imaginable for a July 4th race. Thank you for being such wonderful partners in bringing RevRun to life within this treasured landmark.

🏪 Our Local Businesses — To the sponsors and local businesses who invest in this event and in this community: your support means everything. RevRun would not be what it is without you.

And finally — to the local residents, the supporters who line the course cheering on runners, and most of all, to the runners themselves: you are the heartbeat of this event. From ages 2 to 84, you show up, you push yourselves, and you remind us every single year why we do this.

THANK YOU ALL.❤️

There's Still Time to Register!

Haven't signed up yet? Head to www.revrunpa.com and secure your spot today. Register before July 3rd at 11:59 PM and you'll receive:

✅ Your FREE Commemorative T-shirt featuring Liza's winning design

✅ Discounted Entry Fees

✅ A Commemorative Finisher's Medal

Not running this year? No problem — you can still own a piece of history! the 44th Annual RevRun commemorative t-shirt will be available to purchase for just $20 at our dedicated table right beside the registration area, open from 6:30 AM on race day. Come show your support, grab your shirt, and soak up the atmosphere of one of Bucks County's greatest July 4th traditions.

Of course, we'd love it even more if you laced up and joined us on the course — there's nothing quite like crossing that finish line with your medal around your neck and your commemorative shirt on your back. Why not register and be part of the fun too? 🎉

See you at the starting line — and watch for the wings. 🏃‍♂️🪶