Behind the Lens at the 2026 Manchester Marathon
Nothing quite prepares you for 42,000 runners. I'd shot sport before, but a busy Marathon like this one was something else entirely. This was my first mass-participation event, working on behalf of Sportograf, and the scale of it hit me fast and didn't let up. At least got lucky with the weather and got a full day of blue skies in April.
On the first waves when the field is together you're no longer photographing individuals, it’s pretty much impossible. But the challenge is what made it exciting. I had to read the crowd, anticipate moments, and find the individuals standing out from the group, like Katie, arm raised mid-stride, beaming at the camera like she'd already won.
If the start is chaos, the finish is pure emotion. A finisher laughing next to a handmade sign that read "One step closer to your Aperol Spritz." You don't direct moments like these.
This was my first. It won't be my last. I'm hoping to cover more road races across the UK this year. If you're a race organiser, running brand, or sports event looking for a photographer, sent me an email and let’s work together.