Someone recently asked about shooting pictures at marathons/triathlons. I hoped this might help, or at least be somewhat interesting. It looks like you are doing a great job with your marathon pictures. Yes, I have been driving motorcycles for ESPN sports for 10 years but, I usually don't have much time to take many pictures of my own during a marathon, or triathlon, I am usually thinking about how to get a half a ton of motorcycle/people and camera equipment through spectators and hairpin corners and high-speed safely. I do, however, have to be concerned about the "shot" although it is usually a video feed being broadcast live to 180 countries around the world, many of the concerns are similar to still photography. "Get close" - "get closer" We are usually riding only a couple of feet away from the lead runner/biker or wheelchair, and I still constantly hear from the cameraman "get closer". Yes, backgrounds are important. We usually review the race on paper and then take a testdrive, looking for the interesting and picturesque backgrounds the day before. Know your equipment and preset as much as you can before the race. WB etc. The big day is not the best time to be learning all those special function buttons on your new camera. POV point of view is important. Although most of the footage is usually taken with the cameraman sitting backwards on the motorcycle, quite often the best images are achieved by standing up on the motorcycle or dangling the camera just inches off the road. I hope this helps you when you're shooting the events and gives you a new appreciation, when you watch them on TV. Good Luck Randy