There’s filming a running event… and then there’s covering an ultra-marathon across the entire Devon countryside.
Recently, GD Media had the opportunity to cover the incredible East Devon Round — an ultra-marathon event that pushes runners through some of the most demanding and scenic landscapes in Devon. From coastal trails to steep countryside climbs, this was a production that required careful planning, long hours, and a lot of movement.
Because of the sheer scale of the event, an early start was essential. Gareth and I were on the road before sunrise, loading up the truck with all the production gear needed for a full day of filming. With runners spread across multiple checkpoints throughout the course, timing and logistics became just as important as the filming itself.
Throughout the day, we moved from checkpoint to checkpoint, capturing the atmosphere and intensity of the race as it unfolded. Our setup included handheld cameras for close-up action and interviews, GoPros for immersive race perspectives, and drone shots to showcase the incredible scale and beauty of the Devon landscape from above.
One of the biggest challenges with an event like this is balancing coverage across such a large area while still telling the story of the runners themselves. Ultra marathons are as much about mental endurance as physical strength, and capturing those moments of determination, exhaustion, and achievement was a huge focus for us during the shoot.
The constantly changing terrain also made for some incredible visuals. From quiet country lanes to dramatic open trails, every checkpoint brought a completely different backdrop and energy. Using a mix of cinematic drone footage and dynamic handheld shots allowed us to create content that reflected both the scale of the event and the personal journey of the runners taking part.
Alongside the main event coverage, Richard also filmed a vlog throughout the day, giving a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into producing media coverage for an event of this size. From the early morning setup to travelling between locations and capturing the key moments of the race, the vlog adds another layer to the story and will be embedded into this blog once released.
Covering events like the East Devon Round is exactly the kind of challenge we enjoy at GD Media — combining storytelling, fast-paced production, and creative cinematography to capture something genuinely memorable.
We’d like to thank everyone involved with the East Devon Round for having us along to document such an incredible event, and we’re looking forward to sharing the final content soon.
