A little background for non-locals: the full name of this race is the Ukrop's Monument 10K. The race is sponsored by the Ukrops, a wealthy family in the area and previously owners of a local grocery store chain of the same name. The race course starts and ends on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus, traveling west and then east for the return trip on Monument Avenue.
Before our son, our elder child, was born, my husband and I lived on Monument and watched the race from a neighbor's porch. We haven't been since we moved out to the 'burbs. Since I was working just a few blocks from the main race course and have been wanting to photograph some people for this project, I walked over to see the sights today.
The energy at these races is just amazing. I'm not much of a sports fan, but this is an athletic event I truly enjoy attending.
I love the diversity of the participants, both in the race and on the sidelines. There are children and adults from all walks of life, pets, bands playing in the medians, and runners, walkers and fans in costume. Today many were wearing yellow as RVAers prepared to cheer on their hometown team, the VCU Rams, in one of the Final Four games tonight.
Some great pics! One day I hope to go to the 10K on my own so I can do nothing but photograph. This year we were cheering people on. I love this race, it's awesome how everybody has so much good will for each other.
ReplyDeleteI love the first shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys. I had 15 minutes at the race itself, which didn't feel like enough but had some advantages. I wouldn't have known when to stop otherwise, but I don't think there would have been much improvement in the pics if I had stayed longer. The biggest challenges for me were the low, bright light and keeping up with a single runner/ walker long enough to get the shot. Thrilled to try something new, though.
ReplyDelete