Pelham Parks & Rec 5K
presented by Maximum Physical Therapy
November 12, 2022
PHOTO AWARDS
Race Director’s Note:
First, thanks to all the Shades Valley Camera Club photographers who gave of their time, skill, and photos to make the Pelham Parks & Rec 5k presented by Maximum Physical Therapy even more memorable. You helped us offer a unique 5k experience.
Second, I am not a photographer. I am married to one though, and sometimes when she talks about photography, I recognize an occasional word. So, my choices probably differ from what a master photographer might choose. Because of that, my goal was to select images that captured something special about this year’s race. It was not easy. This year’s race seemed charged with unique moments and with an overwhelming sense of happiness.
With those provisos established, here are my picks from the 2022 Pelham Parks & Rec 5k Photography competition:
Photo that Best Captures the Spirit of the Event
Photograph by Jenine Bastas
This may be an example of the photographer capturing more than meets the eye. In all that the image holds, a viewer who pauses to really look gains an idea of the event’s essence. First, note the beautiful range of people featured in the runners. This is very much the idea of the Pelham Parks & Rec 5k; it is a race for competitive runners, casual runners, families, and more.
Second, note the (young!) volunteer directing the runners along the course. Because of the quirky nature of the race route, dozens of volunteers are stationed along the course. This young man, possibly the youngest volunteer we’ve had, showed up at two different places on the race route to help the runners stay on course, and then helped pick up all the traffic cones (200 of them!) after the race. Third, featured in the participants are 1) a member of the Parks & Rec staff, 2) a Pelham Police Officer, 3) and members of the Parks & Rec Zero-to-5k Training Group. The image communicates much about the spirit of this 5k.
Photo that Best Captures the Action with the Event Context
Photograph by Bob Quarles
This is an outstanding photograph. On a technical note, the composition is beautiful. It could easily be the cover of a running-focused magazine. Beyond that, the photographer captured one of the lead runners, Marcus Harris. Marcus has run the race three times, and all three times he has been in the top 3, winning the inaugural running of the 5k. I love that he is featured here, but also that City Park’s beauty and the prominent banner leave no doubt as to where the race is taking place.
Honorable Mentions
Photograph by Penny Wegener
Early in the race, the top 4 finishers were already staking claims to the podium. I like how the photo shows the lead and the chase, even near the start of the race.
Photograph by Jenine Bastas
This image conveys the competitive element of the 5k. Here, the top 3 finishers in the men’s division are battling in an early stage of the race. The competition for second and third places, between two friends and training partners, was especially fun to watch. And watching the winner race was like watching someone do what he was born to do. We’ve had amazing things happen at the 5k, but the race between these three will stand out as one of the most fun competitions to watch.
Photograph by Bob Quarles
This was a candidate for Action within the Event. It features the lead female runner clearly within the event’s setting. I like that the creek flowing alongside much of the Greenway can be seen here, as if the flowing stream matches the movement of the runner.
Photograph by Bob Quarles
This one was a close runner-up for the Spirit of the Event award. Note the range of runners and the context clearly identifiable as Pelham and City Park. As a bonus, the image captures the race winner as he heads back along the trail and to a very fast finish.
Photograph by Brenda Miller
I love this photo, even though it does not directly highlight the 5k, per se. What it captures is the beauty of the event’s setting. The rocks, the creek, and that fallen tree illustrate the gorgeous scenery along the Greenway, which makes up a significant portion of the race route. I like how the photographer took a moment to help us appreciate where the event was taking place.
Photograph by Julia Washburn
Joy just radiates from this photo. Enough said.
Photograph by Julia Washburn
I just love the smile on this runner’s face. In reviewing all the photos that were graciously shared with us, there is an overwhelming sense of happiness. It brings a smile to my face to see the joy that this unique race generates.
Photograph by Jenine Bastas
Race champion Zach Carlton was tough to capture that day, but one photographer was in the right place to capture a clear image of what most of us saw as a blur. Zach ran a sub-5:30 pace for the entire distance. My favorite moment was when he threw his hat to the ground near the 1-mile mark. Nothing, not even a pesky breeze trying to steal his cap, was going to deter him from giving it his all.
Photograph by Julia Washburn
LOVE this photo. Here are the top 3 finishers congratulating one another. They probably all played a part in each other’s success that morning, and this image shows the respect and even friendship that can develop among competitors.
Photograph by Graham Bostick
First of all, those smiles! This was a moment shared between the top 3 finishers—each of them great runners and awesome individuals. Watching them interact with each other after the race was a beautiful illustration of camaraderie. I hope they face off again at a future race so they can reconnect as friendly competitors.
Photograph by Bob Quarles
This is a beautiful moment shared among family members at the 5k’s finish line. Love and pride radiates from the runner and the the child he is holding.
Photograph by Jeffrey Ligon
The runners in this photo are sisters and members of the Zero-to-5k training group I had the honor of coaching. Two things draw me to this photo. One is the smiles on their faces. The other is a characteristic of this race: encouraging volunteers. I like how the photographer caught the volunteer in mid-clap and how the volunteer is giving attention and energy to these runners.
Following the race, the most common remark I hear from participants is about how great the volunteers were. These people giving of their time and effort to help participants reach the finish line is inspiring not just to the runners, but also to me. So glad this motivating moment was caught.
Photograph by Barbara Maisonville
This was a spontaneous moment caught by the photographer. The runner had just crossed the finish line and I had just shouted, “Congratulations!” Within an instant he reached out to shake my hand. I loved it because it was just two humans connecting in a natural way during a moment of accomplishment. As a bonus, the Pelham Recreation Center is clearly visible in the background.
Photograph by Julia Washburn
This is another image that captures more than the photographer may have realized. First, the woman in the photo spent her morning cheering for every single runner. Nobody crossed the finish line without a cheer and a shake of that pompom. Second, the runner in the photo was a genuinely happy guy, brightening every moment—including while collecting his age group award—with that smile and exuberant spirit. Third, and I LOVE this, that yellow water bottle is from the race swag bag, a contribution from multi-year race sponsor Travis M. Sherman.
Photograph by Julia Washburn
Pelham Police Officer Iliana Hayakahua collecting an age group award. Joy and laughter! (The laughter may have been sparked by how badly I pronounced her last name.)