This is not the first time I run in muar. Last years i attend the run and like it so this year come back for its second year.
This year the organizer is different from last year and made it a charity run. All proceeding will go to Chong Hwa school for fund raising and supported by members from camel muar running group. The running route was also changed but since its trail running, no issues with that. The best thing about running is don't know the route just run.
I arrived at Larkin late for my booked coach. The Singapore custom was having a field day and the jam went all the way to kranji MRT. I arrived at Kanji earlier but 2 SBS bus 170 just went by without stopping. Then came 960 which later I heard from announcement was having a detour due to the jam. Right after the 960 was a relatively empty 170 so just booked it hoping can make it in time to Larkin. The time on my phone is 8.30am
No luck unfortunately as once the bus turned in the road towards the custom it was struck in the jam. it barely moved until 8.45am, it just crossed the second bus stop. A journey that should take only 5 minutes now takes 15mins. I decided like some of the riders, alight and started to walk to the custom instead. Its a right choice though the weather started to run before I reached the custom. Said a silent prayer and continued. Before I know it I was cleared from SG custom and on my way to Malaysia custom. As usual there is the jam at the immigration. By the time I took the bus from the Malaysia custom to Larkin, its 9.27am. I knew I was late so decided if I can take the earliest coach to Muar from Larkin will take it. That's the first thing i focus once i reach Larkin. The earliest unfortunately was at 12.30pm but still within the 3 hours timeframe n within the 5pm closing time for the bib collection at the school.
I decided to explore Larkin bus terminal and found quite a number of new stalls but all selling the same items like shoes, phone cards, travelling bags. Its raining so I went to Macdonald for some big breakfast first. No point going hungry without lunch. The Coach from Larkin leave for Muar at 12.30pm sharp. Went for a quite nap before i know it, already reached Muar. KKKL coach sure is fast. at RM16.50, its not ex either.
Since i already booked my return ticket from Muar to JB, decided to collect the ticket from the KKKL counter which is first counter at the Muar bus terminal. The lady at counter say no need to get the ticket. just come on June 15 before 1pm and will know the bus no. One item cleared so now to collect race Bib. Since I was familiar with the area, I decide to walk to the school. On the way saw Doris and others on a vehicle driven by a member from camel muar group. He was kind enough to drive me to the school and dropped me off at my hotel. Staying at Elite since its the closest to the start point and one i am familiar with.
Went grocery shopping at the nearby shopping centre. There is coffee promotion for super brand. buy 2 packets and get a cereal pack free. Bought 2 since office coffee is running low. At RM11.90 per pack, its not too bad either. Each pack has 20 packing at 30-40gm per packet. Then its mineral water (1.5L) some chips for the return journey back. Saw Mohan at the supermarket. He too is looking for coffee but went to buy another brand. Went for dinner first. I was eating fish soup when i saw diana, angie and stanley walking around. called them but they failed to hear me and walk on. After dinner tried to find them but to no avail. Decided to go back and buy supper. Saw wendy and her family. Looks like a lot of regular SG runners are in Muar this weekend hehe
Went back to hotel after buying yoghurt and having stinky tofu. Saw Kim hock and his wife there. Had a short chat before they decided to go for some more food. The stall owner was friendly and chatty. Once at hotel, finish supper and its time for bed. The race is at 5.45am so needs time to walk over also.
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