So many sign-ups, Big Walk website crashes
Early birds flocking to register for event crash site for 3½ hours
In a twist to the adage that the early bird catches the worm, a rush of early birds signing up for The New Paper Big Walk crashed the event's registration website yesterday.
Keen walkers began applying for the walk as early as around 5.30am yesterday and by noon, the website had been overwhelmed with entries.
It later went down from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Mr Kelvin Lee, 38, the event manager of the Big Walk, said the large amount of traffic was unprecedented.
"The website was down because there was too much traffic coming into the server," he said, apologising for the inconvenience.
"We did not expect so many big groups to sign up together at once. We would like to encourage group sign-ups for more than 50 pax to write to us at enquiry@tnpbigwalk.sg
He added that his team has rectified the problem by increasing the website's bandwidth.
Among the early birds when registration began yesterday was logistics planner Stella Yeo.
The 45-year-old, who signed up at around 8am, will be a newbie at the Big Walk on Nov 30.
Madam Yeo is also trying to convince her daughters, aged 18 and 15, and friends to join her.
She enjoys long strolls and is looking forward to a light workout during the Big Walk. Indeed, walking is part of her lifestyle - she would often walk about 3km from her workplace at Suntec City to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station for her after-hours stroll.
She would also walk around MacRitchie Reservoir during weekends.
It is an easy and convenient activity, Madam Yeo said.
She added: "Most importantly, walking allows you to enjoy your surroundings. I enjoy looking at the people, buildings and the nature around me.
"I find it very relaxing to sweat it out after a day's work."
This year's Big Walk route is certain to appeal to those like Madam Yeo.
A major attraction of the 5km route is the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Singapore's longest and tallest bridge.
The view from the 33-year-old bridge is appealing as it offers a bird's eye view of the city skyline, the sea and Gardens By The Bay.
In addition, participants will get a goodie bag with over $250 worth of freebies up for grabs. They include an exclusive Denizen T-shirt worth $29.90, Nando's meal vouchers and discount vouchers.
Online registration closes on Nov 21.
"Most importantly, walking allows you to enjoy your surroundings. I enjoy looking at the people, buildings and the nature around me."
- Madam Stella Yeo
So fun, they keep coming back
At 5.38am yesterday, teacher Ngm Yew Fai was at his computer putting his name down for The New Paper Big Walk.
The 45-year-old was the first person to register and will be at the event on Nov 30 with his three children aged eight to 12.
"As a family, we always look out for such activities to keep healthy," he said.
Mr Ngm recalled joining the Big Walk once many years ago, adding that his family enjoyed being part of the crowd and taking part in the fringe activities that are traditions of the event.
He said: "I would be looking out for booths and activities which my kids can take part in and have fun."
Another die-hard fan of the Big Walk who has also signed up is retail assistant Lee Qiu Wei, 28.
He declares himself a fervent supporter of TNP, so it comes as little surprise that he was one of the first to sign up for the Big Walk.
His first Big Walk was in 2001 and this year's edition will be his eighth.
He said: "I want to show my loyalty to The New Paper because it provides me with juicy news to start my day."
That there is a goodie bag is a bonus.
Mr Lee said: "I am a big movie fan and a big TNP fan. I will use the (movie discount) vouchers to watch a movie at the Shaw theatre at Seletar (Mall) when it opens."
Shaw movie discount vouchers are among the more than $250 worth of gifts for each participant.
But ultimately, he signed up because he enjoys walking.
"I like to take recreational walks because it allows me to relieve stress. It is a free and easy activity."
For some, the return of Big Walk could not have come sooner.
Madam Jacqy Lim, 60, a general manager in the marine industry, has been in five Big Walks.
"I have been waiting for the Walk and I am very pleased that it is finally back again," she said.
Madam Lim, who will be walking with her 23-year-old daughter, said that one of the things that keeps her coming back is the fun she has had with other participants.
She recounted: "I remember one year when the Walk was held in Marina Barrage, which was still incomplete at that time.
"It was raining heavily and some of the paths were very muddy.
"We all got wet and muddy, but we were still having so much fun because of the friends we made along the way. It was quite a memorable experience."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I have a big group wishing to register, do I still need to go through the individual online registration process?
For groups of more than 50, you can write to enquiry@tnpbigwalk.sg
Will there be refreshments or water provided during the walk?
There will be water points at the midpoint and endpoint of the walk.
Is there a standard attire for walkers or are they allowed to dress up?
There is no compulsory attire for the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear the official Denizen tee shirt provided when you collect the goodie bag a week before the walk. Details of the goodie bag collection will be announced later. Walkers can also express their creativity in dressing if they wish to.
Will there be any first-aid stations on the route?
There will be ample first-aid stations at the start point, end point and en route.
Must the walkers be in proper footwear for the walk?
Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes suitable for prolonged walking.
Is it compulsory for the walkers to finish the 5km walk?
The Big Walk is a non-competitive event and participants can walk to the end point at their leisure.
*More FAQs are available online at tnpbigwalk.sg
WALK WITH US!
Take the picturesque route
over the Benjamin Sheares Bridge in this year's 5km walk
WHEN:
Sunday, Nov 30 (7am to noon)
WHERE:
From Republic Boulevard, next to Nicoll Highway MRT station, to Marina Floating Platform
REGISTRATION FEE:
$15 ($12 if you sign up before Nov 8)
YOU GET:
Goodie bag with freebies worth over $250, including exclusive Denizen tee-shirt worth $29.90, a Nando's meal voucher worth $10.90, TNP digital & online subscription worth $132.60, discount vouchers and more
REGISTER ONLINE @
www.tnp.sg/bigwalk (Online registration closes Nov 21)
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