A 52-year-old ultramarathoner named Natalie Dau recently achieved a remarkable feat by running 1,000 kilometers across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite facing extreme heat and a serious hip injury, Ms. Dau persevered, running the equivalent of two marathons each day. Her journey concluded in Singapore on June 5.
This extraordinary accomplishment earned Ms. Dau the Singapore record for the “Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon.” Additionally, she awaits certification from Guinness World Records for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot.”
“Today is the first time in four days I have questioned if I would actually finish this thing. I love the challenge of the sport, love the rawness of it all, but hate these low points. And they come often,” she told BBC.
Ms. Dau’s run raised over $50,000 for the global charity GRLS, which supports women and girls through sports, aiming to develop their leadership skills.
“Whether you come in first or last, it doesn’t matter. You’ve done something almost superhuman, something that 0.05% of the world’s population will never do,” she said.
The race was far from easy. Running in temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius, her shoes melted, and she battled a hip injury from the very first day, according to The Strait Times. By Day 3, she developed a urinary tract infection. However, Ms. Dau persevered through these challenges, covering at least 84 kilometers each day.
Throughout the run, Ms. Dau kept her supporters updated through nightly voice messages, sharing both her triumphs and struggles. Her team, instrumental in her success, provided essential support, ensuring safety and meticulous planning of logistics.
Dau’s achievement goes beyond personal success. She aims to inspire others, especially women and older individuals, to push their boundaries. “Whether you come in first or last, it doesn’t matter. You’ve done something almost superhuman, something that 0.05% of the world’s population will never do,” she emphasized.
The physical demands of the run were daunting. Ms. Dau admitted that waking up each day was the “scariest” part, unsure if she could continue. Despite exhaustion, blistered toes, and a strong longing to be with her family, she persisted. “The finish line is so far away, you can’t envisage it,” she said.