Behind the Lens: 5 Versts in Moskovsky Victory Park

This morning I pulled myself out to Moscow Victory Park — my first time shooting runners at the “5 Versts.”
Saturday, 9 a.m. The city was still half-asleep, but the park was buzzing: some stretching, some joking, some double-checking their laces.

The light was a gift — soft, warm. The moment I lowered the camera, I saw nothing but smiles. No one shied away. That’s rare.

I did mess up with the course though, and ended up missing a few finishers. A bit frustrating — but I caught some great moments along the way: a powerful sprint before the bridge, a father and son running in sync, and a girl who seemed to fly rather than run.

The kids amazed me most — five kilometers without a single complaint. Some adults looked more tired than they did.

For the organizers, these reportage photos are pure gold: emotions, dynamics, atmosphere — things you won’t find in the numbers of the race protocol.

And that’s what I love to capture.
I’m Anton Gauf, a sports photographer from Saint Petersburg, the guy who gets up at 7 a.m. on a weekend to bring you real, living shots. Even if I take the wrong turn on the track.