Shoe-melting heat, urinary tract infection and hip injury were no impediments for the 52-year-old ultramarathoner Natalie Dau, who recently accomplished a remarkable feat by running 1,000 kilometers across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. “Ultra-running is a love-hate relationship,” she told BBC during her run. Dau ran the equivalent of two marathons each day to finally conclude her journey in Singapore on June 5.
While this extraordinary feat has earned Dau the Singapore record for the “Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon”, she is awaiting certification from Guinness World Records for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot”.
The sport, however, comes with its own challenges. During her run, Dau said that she faced low points and doubted if she would be able to complete the full course. “I love the challenge of the sport, love the rawness of it all, but hate these low points. And they come often,” she told the BBC.
Running for a cause
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.
Dau hopes her story will inspire others, especially women and older individuals, to push beyond their perceived limits. “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.
Tale of perseverance
Her journey was a true test of endurance and willpower. Running in blistering 35-degree Celsius heat, Natalie Dau faced an array of challenges that would deter most. Her shoes melted under the intense sun, and a hip injury plagued her from the outset. By Day 3, a urinary tract infection added to her woes. Yet, undeterred, she pressed on, covering at least 84 kilometers each day.
Each evening, Dau shared her experiences with her supporters through voice messages, detailing both her victories and the struggles she faced. Her dedicated team played a crucial role, providing unwavering support and meticulously handling logistics to ensure her safety and success.
The physical toll was profound. Waking up each day was the most daunting challenge, as she feared her body might not carry her any further. Despite the exhaustion, blistered toes, and the longing to be with her family, she persevered. “The finish line is so far away, you can’t envisage it,” she remarked.