I was absolutely elated to be given the opportunity to photograph the Sunshine Beach Run for their seventh successive year. I tested the Tamron 18 - 400mm thanks to DigiDirect Cannington, which has been unanimously named the best ultra zoom lens on the market. This gave me the chance to cover the entirety of the event from the zoomed in action shots to the wide scenic scenes along with everything in between.
Mayor Keri Sharon from the Town of Cambridge gave her addressing before the races kicked off showing support and appreciation of the local community.
As the siren neared and the butterflies filled the bellies of the many competitors. I can say for certain a aerobic warm up by Bri-Fit Perth was greatly welcomed by majority the entire crowd.
The 80m Knockout Stage Race included Retired Wild Cat Matt Knight, Perth Running Club Coach Emily Long and West Coast Fever player Ingrid Coyler who looked to topple the fastest runners from Christ Church Grammar School, Perth Surf Life Saving Club, North beach and Scarborough football clubs.
Founder of the sunshine beach run "Tex" Chris Perkins is an inspiration of overcoming tribulations, losing his wife and son through sids. His message "Bottling it up and trying to deal with it on your own is not the way to go" echoes the stature of the man and his decision to pour his energy into creating a positive outlet for those who've experienced similar loss. The West Coast Eagles Physiotherapist strives to put an end to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and create further awareness.
Ok now for this image I like to play a little comic relief .. my version of where's wally .. spot the runner facing the wrong way.
Event organiser Chailee Richards herding the crowds into the correct races. Three races of 1km, 3kms and 5kms were tackled by almost everyone at the event with drink and fruit station at the finish line thanks to the Pamphleteers.
You can see the determination and strength as 2669 come to the finish line of her 5km run, ever present are the runners who want to make a better place.
After covering plenty of photographs of the competitors and the event I move onto capture creative images that tell the story and evoke more emotion or sense of feeling to the viewer. I do this no matter what I am Photographing to push myself artistically.
There was fun for everyone at the Sunshine Beach Run though I think the kids had it best with the water slides and jumping castle.
I really did enjoy myself covering this event, with such a positive vibe amongst the crowd and so many fun activities crammed into one day and one location it felt like a party to myself. A party where I was able to capture images of great people giving for a great intent. The money raised by the many sponsors totalled 1 million for Red Nose. Community was definitely the word of the day.
by Soul Gazing Photography