X Small means X Large

Aren't runners generally small people? I mean of course you get some runners who are tall and well built and you even get some runners who are over weight and may not look like someone who runs, but surely the biggest percentage of runners are average size or even small people? Then why is it that the organisers of races haven't realised that yet? When pre entering a race, runners often receive a T Shirt as part of their entry.  The option for an X Small shirt is almost never available, which I can understand because lets face it, very few people are quite as small as I am.  Most of the time, fewer size Small shirts are ordered, meaning that they run out first.  So if you're a petite woman and you're not one of the first to arrive at the entry collection table, you're probably going to have to settle for a Medium or even a Large.  Furthermore, races don't generally offer a difference between the male and female style shirt (which I completely understand...its not all about fashion after all).  So even if you're lucky enough to get a Small, it's more than likely still going to be shapeless and pretty big.  I have now learnt not to get excited if I am lucky enough to get a size Small, because many of the so called Small shirts I have, are longer than my running shorts!  Two years ago I entered my first Two Oceans half marathon.  If you do the 21.1km, you have the option of buying a T Shirt along with your entry.  I was so excited to be taking part in my first Two Oceans that I ordered a Small T Shirt.  It was a bright greenish yellow, but I didn't care, I just wanted something to show for my big achievement.  When I got to the expo in Cape Town to collect my (expensive) T shirt, I realised I hadn't thought my purchase through very well! Despite the colour, the shirt is good quality and well worth having...except for me! As I took it out of the packaging, I realised that I in fact would not have anything to show for my first important race, because there was no way I could wear this massive shirt! When you enter Two Oceans 56km however, you get a free T shirt, and this year there is also the option to order a male or female shirt.  However, despite the fact that I entered online many months ago, when clicking the option for a Ladies Small T Shirt, I was politely informed that this option was no longer available and I was forced to order a Medium.  I am hoping however, that because of the difference in styles, this shirt won't look like an XXL and I'll actually be able to wear this one!