Imagine running two full marathons a day — for 12 days! That’s what Natalie Dau did, running 1,001 km in 12 days, covering 42.195 km a day, through the streets of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in an epic feat.
Despite hip pain and melting running shoes in the 35-degree Celsius heat, the 52-year-old Australian-born Singapore permanent resident continued her trek and set a new record.
On being the fastest ultramarathoner
Dau’s achievement in crossing three nations on foot earned her the Singapore record for the “Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon”. Additionally, she is awaiting certification for the Guinness World Record title for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot”.
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She also helped earn almost $50,000 for the international organization GRLS, which supports the leadership development and physical fitness of women and girls worldwide.
About her gruelling run, Dau said: “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.”
On having health issues
Dau finished four marathons and four ultramarathons in 2023, but the 12-day run was extremely difficult on her health and security. She developed a urinary tract infection, and there were other difficulties, too, like making sure she was changing clothes and shoes regularly.
Fortunately, she had a five-man support team, including coach Arthur Tong, who was with her throughout the journey.
“I was her companion, so we’re having chit-chats and keeping her brain occupied,” Tong stated.
Recovery and relaxation await Dau after she has run the equivalent of 24 full marathons. She intends to decompress by spending time with her 15-year-old daughter, Lilliana, who travelled with her for the first and last few days.
Source: The Straits Times