US woman runs half marathon in 55 shirts to set record and symbolize weight loss journey

A determined runner from Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA, has claimed a fast and fashionable record for the most T-shirts worn during a half marathon (female) after completing a race while wearing 55 shirts. 

Sprinting across the finish line while all puffed-up in her pullovers, Meredith Smith snatched the title from Jennifer Romano (USA) during the Fort Smith Half Marathon on 30 March last year, which she impressively finished in less than 3:30:00. 

She has completed more than 80 races during her quest to improve her health, yet this experience was remarkably unique as it required her to train while wearing dozens of layers of clothing!

“Completing a running record was particularly special to me, as I would not have thought it possible when I began running in 2013 as a way to lose weight,” said Meredith to GWR. “Trying to set this record by adding weight back on to my body via T-shirts was like stepping back into my own shoes to physically see how far I’ve come. 

“It was a celebration of my running journey and acted as a way to prove to myself and others that hard work and chasing your dreams pays off.”

Read more stories about record-breaking runners in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section!

To prepare herself to take on the title, Meredith wore up to 80 T-shirts during training sessions to acclimatise her body for the distance and heat difference. 

It was hard to wear all 80 at once during the full race, so she didn't end up using that number for the record attempt – but she told us that amount was still especially meaningful to her, as she has lost over 80 lbs (36 kg) since she started running.

“Growing up I hated running. I despised it. You couldn’t pay me to run a mile, and the environment that I was in all the running was related to sports, and it was either used as discipline, and I was slower so I wasn’t very encouraged,” she said in a 2022 interview with the Southwest Times Record. 

“But now as an adult, and when you go to these races running as an adult, it’s totally different. The community’s really encouraging and inclusive, and I love that.”

And by the time race day arrived, it was clear that Meredith was more than ready to take on the record. She wriggled into her 55 T-shirts as gracefully as anyone could, and confidently pulled up to the starting line in her unusual race attire. 

It was a childhood dream of Meredith’s to win a Guinness World Records title, and she was determined to “set the bar for females” in the category – as well as inspire others that running is based on how you feel, and not how you look. 

So as she ran, she completed the record not just for herself, but for everyone who pushed through the uncomfortable thoughts to achieve greatness. 

And finally, after nearly four hours of incredible effort, Meredith crossed the finish line while carrying the bundle of shirts upon her back.

She celebrated gleefully with her family and friends at the final checkpoint, before ripping off those thick layers of clothing that symbolized just how much she had accomplished in her journey to improve her fitness. 

So congratulations, Meredith – you are Officially Amazing!