Taking Photos At Tough Mudder, Yorkshire

Mardybum

Mardybum

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Rich Robson
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Hey,
My brother in law and a few friends are competing in this years Tough Mudder Yorkshire event at Broughton Hall, Skipton. His work are sponsoring him to do it, and he has asked me to go along and take some shots of him and his team for his company website/magazine etc. However, when he spoke to the organisers of the event, they have said that only "official" photographers are allowed to take photos of the participants while doing the course, and I would only be able to take photos at the start and finish of the course........!!!! I was hoping to follow them around and get shots of them doing various obstacles etc, but it seems this isn't going to be possible.
The information below is all I can find on the website, which leads me to believe that these "Photo Zones" are the only places that will be available for shots, but only for the togs from Marathonfoto......

Photography

When you’re on the course, watch out for those guys in yellow vests, wielding cameras with oversized lenses. They work for MarathonFoto, Tough Mudder’s official event photographers.

As you know, Tough Mudder will cover you in mud (among other things), making it difficult to identify each participant in a photograph. To ensure that you get to see all these amazing photos, please do the following:
◾Pin your bib number on the FRONT of your body. We can’t identify you if your bib number is on the back.
◾Ensure you can see a photographer – if you can’t see them, then they can’t see you.

Photos will be available to purchase online on MarathonFoto’s website on the Wednesday after the event. There will also be a link from our website at www.toughmudderphotos.com.
My queries are:
Can they stop me from going around the outside of the course and taking photos, when & where I like?
Has anyone attended a Tough Mudder event that can shed any light?

Thanks for any help guys,

Rich
 
Apparently you can do what you are wanting to do, not tried it myself yet but hope to at the northwest one soon. I wouldn't advise trying to follow him all the way round as he will be running some parts and they probably disappear in to parts that access could be difficult for not participants. take a look at the course and see which obstacles you could access easily with a bit of cutting across country etc. what is it a 10K course I wouldnt want to have to trek round that trying to keep up with someone takeing part while lugging camera kit.
 
If your shooting from a public areas there shouldn't be a problem. I've worked for Marathon Foto but not done a Tough Mudder event.

MF will have a number of photographers in front of various obstacles trying to catch everyone who passes.
 
Just found this info on the spectators map (link to map below also)

GENERAL INFORMATION
•Spectator routes are suggested areas to watch participants
•Spectators are advised to follow the viewing routes.
•Spectators will not be able to follow somone through every obstacle (unless you like running).
•Spectators can cross the course route
•Remember to HAVE FUN!

Reading through, the bits in bold ive highlighted suggest that you can pretty much go where you like..... is that how you read it too ??

Link to spectator map..... http://toughmudder.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/uk/2013/08/Yorkshire-Spectator-Course-Map.pdf

Rich
 
If the event is on private land, then yes, they can say 'no photos'. If any of the course is public land, snap away on those bits.
 
Sounds like they are pretty ok with spectators taking photos and indeed if you search Flickr etc you will find tons of stuff obviously shot on decent kit, so can't see there would be any issues.

I have just looked at the map and realised a good chunk of it takes place on or next to public footpaths, so looks like I might be parking at a neighbours at the back of the course and getting a few photos myself ;) (had tried to get a press pass, but got the same response you did when inquiring).
 
When I attended a Tough Mudder earlier this year there were literally hundreds of spectators taking photographs.
If you turn up with some serious kit you might draw attention to yourself, but other than that I wouldn't worry too much.
 
And very close to my barn owls.
 
Mardybum said:
Can they stop me from going around the outside of the course and taking photos, when & where I like?
Click to expand...

Yes they (probably) can. Whether they will or not is a different matter.

From the little I know of the events they will certainly take steps if you're posing a danger to yourself or others or an obstruction/distraction to competitors. But otherwise I doubt it.

Unless of course MarathonFoto have objections (which they might - I bet some money changed hands to get them accepted as the sole professional crew).

I'd been idly wondering about doing one but they never seem to have them round here and I'm too lazy to travel :)
 
In sure it'll be fine.


Toughguy used to be crowded as hell with spectators with cameras. Just whatever you do, don't stray into the course, or plonk yourself down next to the accredited pros in restricted areas, unless you enjoy rectal exams with a monopod. One time shooting TG, I had a gaggle of like ten spectators with cameras suddenly appear behind me - all blocking the route for the runners! Unlike myself, they'd given no thought to safety...
 
Just back from Tough Mudder. Great day, great atmosphere, horrendous car park (getting out).

I pretty much went where I wanted, no one said anything and even the two pros didn't say anything when I rocked up along side them at The Plank area in the best spot.
It was all farmers fields and open moorland so free to roam wherever and crossed the track a few times too to get better positioning.

Thanks for all the help guys, appreciated.

Rich
 
Come on then Rich , let's see the shots ;)
John .
 
Yeh I'm good , glad to see your with camera again . Did you ever hear anything about the burglary ?
 
Thanks to a very kind forum member, yes I am :) although finding time to get out at the minute is proving difficult.... Tough Mudder was my first decent outing for a good couple weeks...

No we never heard anything, the efit went in the paper etc but didn't turn up any leads for the fuzz so they pretty much exhausted all avenues really. They'll keep a record of all the stolen items so if by slim chance they do come across them on any raids etc then they can be returned.

We've put it down to one of those bad experiences, were moved into our new home now and little one is due anytime, so we have lots to look forward to without dwelling on the past.

Thanks for asking pal.

We'll have to get a leeds meet sorted soon aye ??!
 
Hi! I'm considering going to the North West Tough Mudder tomorrow to take some photos. Don't know anyone doing the event, just looking for something fun to photograph.

How was it at the Yorkshire one? It sounds like your kit was stolen - sorry to hear that. Did you feel that you could get close enough to get some good shots?

I'm a little worried that I only have a kit lens at the moment, and with max f3.5 at 55mm I don't know that I'll be able to freeze the action unless its *really* sunny.

Would really appreciate any info! Thanks!
 
Let me know if you get any snaps of a girl with red/purple hair looking fierce.

Friend of mine is running tomorrow.
 
AcidUK said:
Hi! I'm considering going to the North West Tough Mudder tomorrow to take some photos. Don't know anyone doing the event, just looking for something fun to photograph. How was it at the Yorkshire one? It sounds like your kit was stolen - sorry to hear that. Did you feel that you could get close enough to get some good shots? I'm a little worried that I only have a kit lens at the moment, and with max f3.5 at 55mm I don't know that I'll be able to freeze the action unless its *really* sunny. Would really appreciate any info! Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey, the Yorkshire event was very good, had to up the ISO a little as it was a pretty dull day but managed to get some great shots at a closer distance than I expected. I'm not sure of the setup of the event your going to but grab a map from the website or entrance and plan a route, some good shots to be had I reckon.
Yeah, my kit was stolen from my house a couple of months back, was gutted as I'd built up quite a collection :( but I've been very fortunate to be helped out by a forum member to get back out there and continue where I left off :)

Have fun.
Rich
 
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