A content creator set himself an unusual challenge: beat the MRT on foot between two nearby stations in Singapore\u2019s Central Business District (CBD), Shenton Way and Marina Bay.<\/p>\n
Local influencer Michael Collins \u2014 who is behind the Instagram account @bigchunkks \u2014 posted the point-of-view (POV) video on July 5<\/a>, documenting his attempt to race the MRT from Shenton Way station to Marina Bay station.<\/p>\n He set himself a countdown timer of two minutes and 35 seconds, noting that the two stations are just 500 metres apart.<\/p>\n \u201cI have always dreamt of being the first man to beat the MRT,\u201d the on-screen text said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve studied every single MRT line out there and researched every newly opened MRT station to find every set of stations less than 600m apart.\u201d<\/p>\n After alighting at Shenton Way station \u2014 and a minor hiccup while tapping out at the gantry \u2014 Collins sprinted up three escalators to reach street level.<\/p>\n \u201cMy quads are now cramping,\u201d the on-screen text read as he continued running towards Marina Bay station.<\/p>\n Despite his efforts, Collins estimated making it only about 80 per cent of the way before time ran out.<\/p>\n \u201cMy legs failed me,\u201d the on-screen text said, with Collins describing the challenge as \u201cso tough\u201d before teasing viewers to \u201cstay tuned for Part 2\u201d.<\/p>\n The video has since racked up more than 2.7 million views, 149,000 likes, over 700 comments and more than 4,100 shares.<\/p>\n Speaking to Stomp, the influencer said he was inspired after watching someone successfully beat the London Underground on foot.<\/p>\n \u201cI just thought it would be something really fun to try in Singapore as taking the train is something so key in every Singaporean\u2019s life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He spent several days studying the MRT network before visiting stations in person to scout the fastest route.<\/p>\n \u201cI needed to figure out which doors to stand at to get as close as I could to the escalators and which exits to take to get as close as I could to the next station.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think the MRT staff were probably a bit curious,\u201d he quipped.<\/p>\n Besides Shenton Way and Marina Bay, the influencer also identified other nearby station pairings including Chinatown and Clarke Quay (550m), Downtown and Telok Ayer (600m) and Rochor and Little India (600m).<\/p>\n Although he failed on his first attempt, Collins said he remains optimistic.<\/p>\n \u201cI was actually pretty confident before attempting the race. But I severely underestimated how tired my legs would get from all of the escalators.<\/p>\n \u201cI was exhausted by the end of it but also very motivated as I actually got really close.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that he hopes to try again on July 6 or 7 to keep up the momentum. He may even attempt to race the MRT along the new Circle Line stations<\/a> \u2014 Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road \u2014 opening on July 12.<\/a><\/p>\n Many commenters cheered Collins on, with one writing: \u201cYOU CAN DO THIS MAN I BELIEVE IN U.\u201d<\/p>\n Another joked: \u201cI will support whatever\u2019s wrong with you bro.\u201d<\/p>\n One Instagram user even described the challenge as the \u201cperfect use of free will\u201d.<\/p>\n Some also suggested other station pairings for Collins to try, including Braddell\u2013Toa Payoh, Dhoby Ghaut\u2013Bras Basah and even the much longer Pasir Ris\u2013Tampines route.<\/p>\n Collins is no stranger to virality.<\/p>\n Last December, Stomp reported on his attempt to trade a 10-cent coin up to a $2,800 secondhand car<\/a> that he sought to give away.<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNetizens suggest more routes<\/h2>\n
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