RNR  PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION  2011

 

The increased entry for this year brought with it a significant improvement in the standard of photograph submitted in all categories. The competition attracted in all some 127 pictures from 30 individuals, an increase of 40% over last year. Nearly half  were for the Open class with the remainder divided equally between the  Handover and Waterways sections.

 

Some of you may have seen the full page article published in Athletic’s Weekly a couple of days prior to this year’s race as a precursor to the event. The photographs illustrating the piece  were taken from previous RNR competitions and were specially chosen by the editor as being of sufficient quality for inclusion.

 

Again this year we were  looking for pictures that captured the spirit of the event, pictures that epitomised the RNR. And again, in the main we were treated to an entry that was of a generally high standard that showed the event to advantage.

Martin Ive of Ryston  Runners returned from his success of last year to produce the winning shot in the Handover category. His picture of Les Scott handing over to Ashley Ambrose at Burnham Overy encapsulated the subject brilliantly, well composed, timed to perfection and with the younger man all fired up and keen to get off on his stage!

Graham Kinch of NNBR produced the runner up photo of the changeover at Cromer showing the incoming athlete completely exhausted after a hard run leg. His colleague has taken up the baton and is away; with  the Tri-Anglia competitor in the background eager to be on his way too. We commended four other photographs as being worthy of a mention in this class, including  Tim Chapman’s, of Fenland RR, portrayal of the baton change and caught at the exact moment  the baton changes hands, with the image filling the frame. Also up there is one by  Martin Mcpheat of MMKAC  with his ‘Over to You Youngster’ featuring again  a strong image of  two fit  athletes depicted on  the shingle at Cley, once more capturing the dynamic of the handover. A simple, uncluttered, straight forward image. Martin Ive, the winner of this category, has produced another pleasing one in this section featuring his club again, this time at Cromer. The judges were also impressed  by Yaxley’s  Ray Mabbutt’s  interpretation of the subject to warrant his effort a special mention, by his capturing of the  energy of that split second.  We all agreed that the quality  of entry in this section was high and one could probably single out a dozen others worthy of attention.  

In the next category Seascapes and Waterways quite a few of you lost sight of the fact that it was a sporting event and as a consequence we were treated to some lovely pictures of the Norfolk Coast that could have featured in a category- ‘not showing any runners! And some fine early morning atmospheric shots that inferred the presence of water but didn’t  actually feature any, ‘Running with Style’ for example.  

 However, we were left with plenty to look at. In first place we have a photo of  the photographer Martin Ive taken by fellow club member Charlene Howlett! This shows Mr. Ive  on the  1ST Stage going at full speed along the promenade. The exposure is spot on with the runner coming into the centre of the picture and  with the sea offering a great back drop to compliment the image. 

 There are two photographs in the runner up position, two images in direct contrast to each other. Peter Duhig’s  ‘Waterside’ does depict water! His runner and escort may appear to be on the small side, looking a bit lonely on the edge, but overall it is a pleasing picture that captures the early morning over the Ouse. Along side this we have Darren Cimelli of Bedford Harriers with his ‘Me and My Shadow’, showing  the runner accompanied by his  cyclist coming into the centre of the frame. The boats, in the back ground at low tide, add interest.  Nice sunny shot. Fenland’s  Paulina Zub’s entry of the changeover at Cley was commended in this section.

In the Open section people didn’t fail to notice the rainbow and it played a prominent part in the entry! But one ‘rainbow shot’ stood out from the rest – Ron Ames’ of Stowmarket Striders with his aptly named ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ showing Mary Narey on Stage 7 passing the iconic  Happisburgh lighthouse. This picture stands out as a fine depiction of the RNR, well composed, focussed and pleasing to look at and will take pride of place on the RNR Homepage.

 The aforementioned Tim Chapman secures the runner up spot with a powerful image of  the West Norfolk athlete in the centre of the frame, she, completely focused, looking strong, running well. A very good sharp picture. Others in this section worthy of mention are, Alex Lee’s  of  UKNR, a rare start photo. He tells us that Peter Stockdale, the front runner, held the stage record for 41/2 hours!  Ray Mabbutt is back again, this time with an unusual RNR shot, showing  his Yaxley clubmate crossing a stream. Not sure where it is and  he’s lost his number, it’s a well executed image which we assume is on the RNR and it could have gone in the Waterways section!  Last to get a mention is Sally Cushing of NRR with her pleasing entry of the happy looking  runner framed by her bike escort and a race marshall. Encompassing the true spirit of the event.

 

We congratulate all of you who have been selected as winners and the others nominated for a mention. The RNR committee and the judges would like to thank all those who entered the competition. Watch this space for next year.

 

Cath Duhig

Kevin Wilson

Tony Hunt

 

RNR Photo Comp.