Photo Marathons? Who Knew?

13/11/2026

I was contacted recently by someone who wanted to speak with me about a photo marathon. I had no idea what that meant. It turns out that it’s a photography competition, in which participants must make a series of photographs on predetermined subjects in a set period of time, typically 12 to 24 hours. Most include in their rules that photos should be submitted with no post-production. I like that. There are over 74 competitions worldwide, so there is probably one not too far from you.

The photographic marathon was created in 1983 by Eduardo Soto Perez and Antonio Bolivar Sanchez Cañete, who were part of the Collective Cartela. In 1985 they launched the first edition in Madrid with 2500 photographers participating. It was quickly imitated in cities across Spain and many others around the world. In 1987 the first US Photo Marathon was held in New York, then in Stockholm in 1988, followed by Copenhagen in 1989 and Berlin in 1998.

The person I was speaking with had established one in the UK and wanted me to be involved. Now, as you may know I am no fan of photo competitions, but the cost for entry that he was suggesting was little more than a couple of cups of coffee. Therefore, I had no problem with this aspect of the event. The marathon has a junior section for those under eighteen, which I think is a great idea. Anything that encourages young people to have fun with photography has to be a positive initiative in my eyes. So far, so good.

At the finishing line, the images taken get uploaded to a website and then a judging process begins. It is at this point that I have to admit to stepping back. I just cannot agree with photography of this type being competitive. I know that competitions are the basis of ‘old school’ camera clubs and that many enthusiast photographers, who enter these marathons, are from that community. However, I have to ask is it necessary?

I understand that the organisers of such events make judgements on the work submitted to stage exhibitions and award prizes, so perhaps my uneasy feeling is misplaced. In truth, I am conflicted. Putting my feelings to one side, these photo marathons sound like fun. A good reason to get out with a camera, take a walk and make some images. If like me you have never heard of them, you might like to see if there is one near to you or one you would like to get involved with. I don’t think it matters if you are an elite photo runner, a park run photographer, or a jog when you can photographer. The key to the photo marathon seems to be that all ages can take part and there is no danger of nipple rash, tight calves, or severe blisters! That has to be a good thing!

Dr.Grant Scott
After fifteen years art directing photography books and magazines such as Elle and Tatler, Scott began to work as a photographer for a number of advertising and editorial clients in 2000. Alongside his photographic career Scott has art directed numerous advertising campaigns, worked as a creative director at Sotheby’s, art directed foto8 magazine, founded his own photographic gallery, edited Professional Photographer magazine and launched his own title for photographers and filmmakers Hungry Eye. He founded the United Nations of Photography in 2012, and is now a Senior Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator: Photography at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, and a BBC Radio contributor. Scott is the author of Professional Photography: The New Global Landscape Explained(Routledge 2014), The Essential Student Guide to Professional Photography (Routledge 2015), New Ways of Seeing: The Democratic Language of Photography (Routledge 2019), What Does Photography Mean To You? (Bluecoat Press 2020) and Inside Vogue House: One building, seven magazines, sixty years of stories, (Orphans Publishing 2024). His photography has been published in At Home With The Makers of Style (Thames & Hudson 2006) and Crash Happy: A Night at The Bangers (Cafe Royal Books 2012). His film Do Not Bend: The Photographic Life of Bill Jay was premiered in 2018.