Why I bother to show up at our big Tulsa community Events like the Tulsa Run, Route 66 Marathon, How the West was Won and Tulsa Tough.
Sure as a portrait photographer these big events are not at all the same. But, community is only as good as its support. If I hope to see Oklahoma taking a position as a more active community we have to encourage these things.
Secondly as a Marathoner / Ultra Runner / Kayaker I know how much better good crowd support can make an event.
When time permits as often as I can I show up to volunteer, cheer, pass out beer and occasionally photograph the action.
This past weekend was no exception. I trekked my way to Cry Baby Hill with a cooler on my back and camera in hand. While there I captured thousands of frames of the athletes hard at work, cheered till my voice was cracking and passed out several beers. All this was awesome but was not the highlight of the day.. Read on to learn what my favorite photo is from the day.
Here are a few photos and more can be seen in our online gallery. This gallery will be live until June 30th, 2018.
What I love about events like this is the fact that they are usually supported by local businesses working to improve the community. The business owners are there on site working to make the event a success.
These small business are more than just a store. They have every bit of care and compassion that you find in a small church. Everyone knows everyone. They are happy to meet new people and encourage the newcomers along. In these places I have found life long friends.
This weekend at Tulsa Tough I saw this again. A female cyclist was having trouble with her bike on Cry Baby Hill. I watched 3 people drop everything to help her get back in to the race with no expectation.
This is why I load up my gear, trek across town or across the state to show up. To see these small acts of generosity and thought. Passing out a beer to a stranger, sharing what little water you brought, teaching a new paddler how to safely eskimo roll.. there is no payment.. but these are the things that make the world a better place.
