About
Get set: Photomarathon Sheffield returns in 2023.
What?
Photomarathon Sheffield is a one-day photography adventure for all ages. It encourages participants to explore the city with curiosity, creativity and spontaneity – camera (or phone) in hand.
The event is inspired by the photomarathon concept, which began in Madrid in the 1980s. Versions of the format have since taken place around the world – everywhere from Nairobi to New York.
The challenge
6 hours to take 6 photos on 6 topics revealed on the day. No set route. No need to run, or even walk, fast.
Enter as an individual or a team (no more than 6 people per team, sharing 1 device and submitting 1 set of photos). Free places available for under-16s and charitable/community organisations.
All entrants get a badge, discounts at a selection of independent cafes on the day, and chance to win great prizes.
A panel of judges pick winning snaps based on how uniquely and creatively they interpret the topic, rather than for technical knowhow.
When?
This year's Photomarathon Sheffield will take place on 28 October 2023.
Booking opens 23 August at 12pm.
Where?
After signing in at the Winter Garden, you're free to explore the city.
The exhibition
At least one image per entrant will go on display after the event, in an exhibition showing one day in the life of a city from hundreds of perspectives. Every single image entered is also shared in our online gallery.
Past events
The first four events (2016–2019) took place in person. Hundreds of eager snappers took part, setting off from the Winter Garden in the heart of Sheffield city centre and exploring the city with their cameras and smartphones.
In 2020 the event went online with the Virtual Photomarathon Sheffield. And in summer 2021, a mini version of the event took place inspired by the nature and history on the Sheffield Round Walk route.
Order the Photomarathon Sheffield book now, celebrating the event's first five years.
Still need convincing?
Here's what some past photomarathoners said about their day:
"Really makes you pay attention to your surroundings and great fun way to get some exercise in!!”
“A lovely way to take some time to explore Sheffield without rushing from one place to another.”
“It was a good challenge to submit unedited photos. Made me think more carefully about taking the photos.”
“Brilliant day. Not as scary as I thought. Saw Sheffield in a different light. Discovered lots of new things.”
Organisers
Our Favourite Places – the Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals.
Harrison Cameras – Sheffield's independent photography shop, established in 1970.
Photomarathon Sheffield 2023 is sponsored by Canon.