Last weekend i was lucky enough to work alongside Marathon Photos Live at the Junior and Mini Great North Runs on Saturday and then the main event on Sunday.
I woke up early on the Saturday morning with butterflies in my stomach as the imposter syndrome started to kick in. This was my first time shooting a big event, were the other photographers going to be rediculously experienced professionals, Are they going to send me home after the first hour as im not cut out for it? These were all the thoughts running through my head as i had a shower.
It was a foggy drive to Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside, as i approached the Tyne bridge i could see the AJ Bell GNR signage and it brought back some fantastic memories from when i ran the GNR in 2016. The Oggie Oggie Oggies going through the tunnels and Local Hero being played as i crossed the finish line.
Once parked at the Baltic i made my way to the finish line for the Junior and Mini runs and meet up with my fellow photographers and i they were brilliant. They reassured me, gave me tips and shared thier previous experiences from past events.
8.45am was the first race and the last at 5.45pm. I knew it was going to be a long day but the heat was on another level, reaching highs of 31 degrees made it tough. Plenty of water, sun cream and some supplies from Friday nights Aldi snack run saw me through along with the adrenaline of the fast turnaround and constant shooting of photos. I think i took around 9000+ on the Saturday.
It was also great to see so many friends running with their children and also the look of sheer disbelief on some as their son or daughter decided to turn on the afterburners in the final 50 meters.
Just a couple of tips for anyone taking part in the Junior or Mini GNRs in the future.
1. Make sure your childs number is on the front not the back this helps the Marathon Photos website identify your child so you can see all the amazing photos that got taken.
2. As much as you want to encourage you child to keep going and finish strong in the final 50 meters try to do this by running behind them. There were so many missed opportunites where parents/guardians were in front blocking the photographers.
And onto Sunday the main event. Back up at 6am so i could get parked and make my way to the finish line ready for the event to start. It was another foggy start however a quick drive through the Tyne Tunnell and i was parked up just of beach road just before 7am taking just under 20 mins (more on this later)
After parking my car where i thought was a short distance away it actually took me longer to walk to the finish line that it did driving over to South Shields, once there i met up with my fellow photographers and got debriefed on what was going to happen, where and when.
As we were awaiting the green light to step into the finishing funnels to start capturing the finishers, i was lucky enough to witness Sir Mo Farah finishing his final race along with the pyrotechnics to celebrate. Unfortunately i wasnt able to capture any photos as i was all set up for the event but what a moment hearing the cheers he was getting from the spectators.
Once we were underway it was non stop, runners if the left funnel, runners in the right. Again it was great seeing so many friends cross the finish line and give them a little cheers even if they didnt realise i was there.
The celebrations as many crossed the finish line was it that they ran a PB or the fact that the race was now over, who cares> What matters is that they all have just ran a fantastic race and many raising money for very worthwhile causes.
Then it came!!
Yes the rain!! the torrential downpour!!
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO WET SO QUICK!!
Luckily i saw it coming and managed to get my equipment covered with protection to a degree but i have never seen rain like it. I tried to carry on shooting but the rain was playing havoc with my autofocus which caused a premature end to my shooting for the day.
After finding some shelter in a tent to try dry off, it dawned on me that i had no spare clothes....even in the car.....Rookie move Steve!! Thats the first thing im packing for my next event.
After handing my memory card and live box back to the organisers i made my soggy self back to the car. Once in the car i tried to call my better half but forgot that South Shields Seafront becomes a communications black spot on GNR day. Engine on ready to go and......everywhere gridlocked. Roads blocked to the left for the race. Roads blocked to the right because of flash flooding from the downpour.
As you can see it was carnage. Nothing i have ever seen before. The poor runners who were towards the tailend having to run through a lake. GNR 2023 with a steeplechase effect.
It took me 3 and a half hours to make the journey that took me 20 minutes the same morning. Thankfully i made it back just in time for my little boys bedtime and to hear all about his adventures with his Mum and that he saw Daddy on the TV dressed as a builder man (see below).
Yes the rain took the shine off what was a fantastic weekend but what an experience. Something i hope to do again whether tha be for Marathon Photos or a Charity. Seeing some inspirational people run an iconic race. I may even get myself back.....backs a strong work. In better shape to run the race again.
If you did run the race i hope myself and my colleagues helped capture some special moments you can cherish from the run and a big well done from me.
Steve
