Shooting the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon: Year 3 Behind the Lens
This year marked my third time photographing the Pittsburgh Marathon, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my photography career.
I first found this opportunity in 2024 on Indeed, and since then I have been contracted through MarathonFoto. Each year, I get to be part of a massive team of freelance photographers capturing one of the biggest race weekends in the city.
How It Works
Photographers are assigned to different parts of the course and use their own equipment, but we shoot on MarathonFoto’s SD cards. The goal is to capture as many runners and moments as possible. There is no editing on our end. Once the race is over, we turn in the cards and their full editing team takes over.
It is fast paced, high volume, and all about timing and awareness. You are constantly scanning for bibs, expressions, movement, and moments worth capturing. It is also great money, with bonuses built in, which makes the long days even more worthwhile.
A New Experience This Year
This year brought a lot of firsts for me.
For the first time, I worked on the course itself instead of just the finish line. I also worked the Saturday events, which added a completely new layer to the weekend.
Going into it, I felt a mix of nerves and confidence. It is a different environment compared to finish line photos, but I trusted my experience shooting sports and live events. That instinct to anticipate moments and react quickly translated well.
Events I Covered
Race weekend is packed, and I had the chance to photograph a wide range of events:
Saturday, May 2
- 5K Race
- Kids Marathon
- Champions Mile
Sunday, May 3
- Full Marathon
- Half Marathon (and Walking Division)
- Back Half Marathon
- Marathon Relay
Each event had its own energy. The kids marathon was full of excitement and pure joy. The 5K and Champions Mile felt fast and fun and the Kids Race was absolutely adorable. Sunday was a completely different level, with thousands of runners spread across the city pushing through miles of effort and emotion.
Finding the Camera
One of my favorite parts of shooting on the course is the interaction with runners.
Some people are locked in and focused. Others see the camera and immediately light up. They wave, point, celebrate, throw their hands up, or make it a full moment. Those are some of the best shots.
There is something special about capturing someone who is tired but still chooses to have fun with it. Those quick interactions create photos that feel personal, not just documented.
A Moment That Stuck With Me
During the weekend, one of the team captains I worked with shared feedback about me with MarathonFoto’s management. He mentioned that I stood out, that my images were creative, and that I would be a great fit for other events. He also noted my willingness to travel and take on more opportunities.
That meant a lot. In an environment where everyone is moving quickly and focused on their assignment, being recognized like that stands out.
Putting in the Miles
The runners are not the only ones covering distance that weekend.
Saturday was manageable. I was less than a 10 minute walk from my assigned location.
Sunday required a lot more movement. I had at least a 30 minute walk across one of Pittsburgh’s bridges and along the North Shore River Trail to get to one of my posts. After that, I had another 35 minute walk back toward the finish area.
You are carrying gear, navigating crowds, and moving with purpose all day. It is physically demanding, but it also makes you feel fully part of the event.
The Energy of the City
There is nothing like marathon weekend in Pittsburgh.
Every neighborhood shows up. People line the streets cheering for hours. Music, signs, and constant encouragement fill the course. It feels like the entire city is behind every runner.
I even saw a few familiar faces this year, including athletes and some local Pittsburgh personalities, which made it even more fun.
And every year, I get emotional. Watching people push through something this challenging and meaningful is powerful. It honestly makes me want to be out there running it too.
Grateful for It All
I am so grateful I came across this opportunity when I did.
What started as a freelance job has turned into something I look forward to every year. It has pushed me as a photographer, expanded my experience, and connected me to moments that are bigger than just photos.
Year three is done, and I am already excited for what comes next.