A Photographer Perspective in Starwalk 11/12/2005

Starwalk is a 10km walk organize by Star Publication yearly. Do not mislead by the name, there isn't any "Star" or celebrities. There are only few serious athletics and majority of others joing for various type of reason (eg: Fun Sunday walk, lucky draw etc). As for me, one part is exercise for fun and another is rare photograpic opportunity.

This is my second time joining this event but I have "upgraded" my participation to "Men Open" from previous non-competition. It is not that I have been training hard since last edition, only that I wanted to have different experiences. My wife also " upgraded to Women Open". We are joined by 5 friends, the more the better.

The only dislike about the event is that I need to wake up at 05:30 : -( Took breakfast and prepare ourselves (wearing the sponsor T-shirt, mine from Milo and proudly display my competition no 480). Reach PISA around 06:30 and parked the car as slot available, ala Penang style. Everyone went to their respective reporting area, hand-in our reporting card and in turn receiving a yellow color hair band(as proof that one completed the course).

Initially, I plan to bring along D70s, 17-80mm lens and SB600. After some consideration(thinking wisely), decided just take the ever faithful P&S Konica KD-400. Don't think I'm fit enough to carry another 2.5 kg of equipement.

While waiting for the event to start, took a few photo of my wife + friend, also shots fo the crowd around me. Sharp at 07:00, the Cheif Minister fired the shot signalling the start. Those over excited started to run; some started walking slowly, some try to get a handshake from the VIP stand, one still talking on mobile phone. As for me, staring at the camera LCD in disbelief that my shots all failed to capture the starting moments : - ((


Life goes on, start my time and follow the crowd. Found that I'm unable to follow the pace of the pack as more people overtook me than other way round, and hurry myself just slightly.

NOT before long, I found myself overtook by the first women open "walker" (more like superhuman) within 15 mins. She took only 5 mins to catch-up as their category started 10 mins later. Shame shame, this time, I really up my pace as I'm more comfortale walking after some "get use to". Nevertherless, those ladies just keep going ahead of me : - (

It is a beautiful day, we have clear blue sky. Enjoy myself walking in the middle of the road and hunting around for interesting shots. My favorite subject is a father "handicap" by his cute daughter. Everyone try to cheer the little girl to walk but I guess 10 km is too much for her. She did try to walk on her own but when she got tired again, the father is there ready to give her a helping hand.

Around 07:40, the sun shines on us and make everyone feel warmer. Notice some news photographer taking some shots along the way. How envy... saw some pro lens and camera body, almost tempted to stop and have a chat with them.

At the half way mark, there was 2 booth setup by 100 Plus giving out drinks. Everyone took the chance to quench their thirst. However, there isn't a single waste bin for us to throw away the cups properly. As a results, street was little with thousand of cups. Let's hope the organizer is aware of this and put some waste bin along the way in the future. WE WANT WASTE BINS!!!

After refreshment, we received the second hair band (purple). Everyone seems to be revitalized and continue the route with sudden boost of energy. The next stage is my favorite part of the route, along Jalan Dr. Awang. It is mild hilly road with shades from well planted trees. This present a rare photographic opportunity shot of crowd covering the whole wdth of the road at top of the hill.

Take it easy downhill and saw PISA just around the corner. I have this feeling of back to "civilization" again after come out from "forest". Following the crowd and finally come to the finishing line. Opps... there was a long queue and have to line up. Suddenly got a phone call, it was from my wife. We asked each others location. Shocking news!!! She already crossed the finish line and I was there in queue taking photos around me. Guess my plan to take a shot of her crossing the finish line is ruined. In the end, my time was 1:33:48 : - )

Got my certificate of participation and lucky draw number, and met up my wife. After that, wait for another friend before proceed to PISA. There we took our refreshemnt, lots of booths was setup, Milo, Nestle, Sunquick, 100 Plus etc. Everyone just took the quench and exchange stories of their walk.

Later, went inside the stadium. There are performances and prizes giving events going on, however, the main attraction should be the Lucky Draw. Almost doze off while enjoying the air-con.

End 13:20.

Dirty laundry.