Capturing What It Feels Like to Run in the Alps
Top photo: Sam Hill
About five years ago, I pitched an idea to Doug, the founder of Run the Alps – what if we sent a professional photographer out on our tours?
It felt like a bit of a no-brainer. Our tours already take place in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Add a group of joyful trail runners moving through those mountains, and you’ve got the ingredients for something pretty special—moments that deserve to be captured properly!
Admittedly, the original idea wasn’t entirely altruistic. It was, at least in part, born out of me trying to drum up some more interesting work for myself. But fortunately, Doug went for it.
In those early summers, it was just me heading out on a handful of carefully chosen tours, camera in hand. The response from guests was immediate. People loved it – not just the photos themselves, but the experience of having someone there to document the day as it unfolded.
So we kept going, expanded the concept, and now, each of our guided group tours includes a day with a professional photographer.
A Different Kind of Photography
Today, I manage an ever growing team of more than 20 freelance photographers who join our tours, events, and special projects throughout the summer. Each of them brings their own eye, style, and energy—but they all share a very particular set of skills.
Because this isn’t your typical photography job.
To do this well, you need to be comfortable in the mountains. You need to be able to run—often quite a lot—sometimes ahead of the group, sometimes behind, occasionally darting off-trail to find a better angle. You need to work quickly, adapt constantly, and still produce high-quality images in a fast-moving, unpredictable environment.
But just as importantly, you need to be a good human. Our photographers don’t just show up and shoot. They become part of the group for the day. They chat, they climb, they share the experience and that is key because, from the start, we never wanted these days to feel like a staged photoshoot.
I’ve seen our images printed and hung on walls, turned into photo books, shared with friends and family. They stick around long after the tour itself has finished. And honestly, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of this whole project. In a world of fast, forgettable content, it’s nice to make something that lasts.
From Behind the Lens
One of the things I’ve always found interesting is how photographers themselves experience these days. It’s such a unique blend of technical camera work, sprinting around the trails, and connecting with guests. Here are a few thoughts from a couple of our fantastic freelance photographers:
Irina Serdyukovskaya (on photographing our Dolomites tours): It all starts with a love for the mountains and the chance to be out in nature surrounded by such beautiful scenery. Running the trails doesn’t feel like hard work—it’s more like spending time with new friends. Of course, you have to be concentrated, and getting great shots takes effort, but in places like this and with good company, it doesn’t feel like a chore—it’s just part of the creative process. I also love seeing the participants’ reactions—their genuine joy and amazement at the beautiful sights and people. Italy is an amazing country – I see a lot of beauty in life there, and it is great to share it with others.
Sam Lhermillier: Well first of all, the guides at Run the Alps are simply the nicest and friendliest I’ve had the chance to work with. You are going to enjoy them as much as your tour itself. It is always a pleasure to meet them and the guests along the course to create some images of your experience on the trails. And as often as possible, my dog MeÏve will be with us during our day together.
Aleksandra Janiak: I’ve had the pleasure of shooting for Run the Alps over the past four years. Joining the Run the Alps crew for a day of photography is full of positive vibes. I always feel very welcome and at ease within the group, even though it’s new people – but that just shows the kind of people who are drawn to Run the Alps. I laugh that it’s a great interval training with a weight (camera backpack) as I run to the front, and then again from the back, over and over. I also remember people checking in with me to see if I am drinking and eating – everyone is very caring, and so sweet!
Kim Strom: Days on the trails shooting Run the Alps’ guests are some of the most energizing experiences of the summer. I’ve often found myself joining a group toward the middle or end of their tour, and get to hop into their established dynamic and be a small part of their bond. It’s always fun to hear their favorite parts, share funny stories, and try to capture their excitement of running through these incredible landscapes often for the first time. The hardest part is darting out of a conversation because we round a corner and it’s the moment to get the shot.
A Few Moments From the Trails
And finally, here’s a small selection of images from across our tours over the past few years—captured by the brilliant photographers who make this all possible.
What started out as a slightly self-serving idea has turned into something that feels genuinely special. If you’re joining a Run the Alps tour this summer, we hope the images these photographers make will be a lasting souvenir of great trail memories.
