Deliverables: Visual Identity, Singlet Design, Custom Typography, Merch Design
BRIEF
For 40 years, the Houston Striders have been a staple of Houston’s running community, creating space for runners of all levels to train, improve, and build friendships through weekly workouts and group runs. Known for their commitment to serious training, the club has helped generations of Houston runners chase PRs, prepare for major races, and make their mark in the larger running community.
After previously working together on the club’s first official singlet, the Striders returned looking for a special edition design to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The goal was to create something that felt connected to the club’s long history while still feeling fresh for current members.
SOLUTION
The starting point became the visual language of running in 1985; the same year the club was founded. Inspired by the simple color-blocked racing kits worn by professional runners during that era, the final singlet uses a bold central banner layout paired with a stripped-back, classic approach.
Older elements from the Striders’ history were worked back into the piece throughout the design. Blue was reintroduced into the palette as a nod to earlier versions of the club’s identity, while a retired logo was updated and retooled into a commemorative 40th anniversary emblem. Initials of the club’s founders were also subtly incorporated as a reference to the people who originally built the community.
OUTCOME
The anniversary singlet sold out quickly and became a major part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebration. Established members connected with the historical references, while newer runners were introduced to pieces of the club’s history they may not have recognized before.
Track Texture
The texture layered across the singlet adds another meaningful detail. I took a scan of the track where the club runs its weekly Tuesday track workouts and converted it into a background texture. The detail acts as a way for members to carry their hard work, consistency, and shared effort into every race.
Throwback Design
When thinking through an emblem to celebrate the Striders' 40th anniversary, we knew that we wanted to pay homage to both current members and those who came before. Using retired brand elements like the Striders flag shown below, a new badge was created and used as a bold accent on the back of the singlet. Separate from the main singlet, it also featured heavily at the 40th anniversary gala across digital applications, printed materials, and as a limited run merch campaign.
