This is always a great event to photograph and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to cover this for the last two years. Unlike last year, which was in the middle of a heatwave, this year it was decidedly overcast which was much better for the runners as it wasn’t so hot and it also allowed me to capture different images from the year before.
I was asked to cover the monkey bars which I had shot a few images of last year. This is a great one to photograph as I was able to capture the competitors in full swing as they cross this obstacle. One lady that I had seen before (as you do when you photograph as many of these events as I do) came across the bars carrying a sign which she had made pre-event which said “OMG it’s a Spartan Photographer!” This made me chuckle and of course ensured she got a good photo. The interaction with the competitors is something I really enjoy and moments like this can be what keeps you going through some of the tough weather the UK summer can throw at you.
Day two was almost the same type of obstacle but with rings instead of the monkey bars. Again, the main aim was to capture them as they swung from ring to ring - not only did this capture motion but also the determination on their faces of reaching out to the next ring.
One of the great things for me about shooting Spartan events is the people that take part, they are really happy to see you and will play to the camera – plus it’s always nice when you get a thank you for being there and photographing them. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible again there next year.
Check out our Facebook page for more pictures from this event.
