SINGAPORE – Natalie Dau, a Middle-aged lady set the record for running 1,000km energetically for 12 days across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, equivalent to two full marathons (42.195km) a day. A broad, happy, and satisfying smile was seen on her face as the 52-year-old ultramarathoner crossed the finish line to the cheers of over 100 supporters at the Westin Singapore on 5th June (Wednesday).
She achieved a milestone in Singapore for completing the fastest 1,000km run from Thailand to Singapore. The Guinness World Record for the fastest walk across Peninsular Malaysia is still pending certification.
Also, she raised over $50,000 for a global charity called GRLS, which ensures to elevate women and girls by encouraging them to participate in sports and exercise and assist them in building leadership abilities.
Overcoming Both Intense Heat And Injuries
Her sports sneakers melted in the 35°C heat and a hip injury almost stopped her and threatened to derail her from achieving her goals, but she kept going on her run alone.
“I was a bit worried after day one when I hurt my hip. But there were too many people invested and too many people that I didn’t want to let down, so that (quitting) wasn’t an option” she said.
Dealing with the injury, the weather, and hardly getting any sleep, simultaneously was tough. She rested only for a few hours each night. She found it challenging to keep running on roads with trucks passing without sidewalks along roads.
“Just day in, day out was mentally challenging as well,” said Dau, who began her journey in Hat Yai, Thailand, on May 25.
Support From Generous People
The mother of one mentioned that the encouragement and support from friends, family, and other runners who accompanied her throughout her journey, motivated her to continue without giving up.
Dau expressed, “It was amazing. Just seeing that friendly face and a burst of energy was great. I think it just shows the community and friends coming together, and it definitely made a difference to help me.”
One of the runners, local Eugene Lim, 44, who joined her on the Johor to Singapore stretch said: “We specifically went on days 10 and 11 because we felt that she would have needed a lot of support here in Singapore. But on (those days) she would probably be at her lowest, she would need as much support as she can get.”
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