We have an update from ultramarathon runner and all-round woman legend NATALIE DAU who embarked on Project 1000 – a one-thousand kilometre run through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore for charity. She did it! On 4 June 2024 Natalie took out the Guinness World Record title of the fastest female on foot crossing of Malaysia Peninsular in a time of eight days and 46 minutes! Here she shares the journey.
Congratulations on completing Project 1000. For those who missed our first article, tell us about the run.
Project 1000 is my solo one-thousand kilometre run across Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, spanning 12 days. I started on 25 May, in Hat Yai, Thailand, and ended on 5 June, which happened to be Global Running Day, at The Westin Singapore.
Even as a seasoned ultramarathon runner, it was a personal challenge and an incredible, life-changing experience. The challenges were crazy – shoes melting on the road because of heat, only three hours of sleep a night, a bad UTI that lasted seven days, dodging trucks on the freeways and constantly getting attacked by wild dogs. But the benefits far outweighed these hard parts as we met so many strangers along the way that became friends. People went out of their way to help us, and the team that travelled with me were truly amazing.
You also achieved a Guinness World Record! Tell us more.
Yes, this run was never about the Guinness World Record but it was a great thing to achieve and kept me motivated and focused. The challenge was recording all the data to prove we had done it so there were a lot of watches, GPS files and videos needed.
Aside from the personal satisfaction, you raised funds and awareness for GRLS. Why is this a charity close to your heart?
I’m really passionate about health and fitness, and empowering young girls. This charity supports education and giving girls and women access to sports and physical movement in under-privileged communities. We also gave out scholarships at schools we visited in rural Thailand. Beyond keeping myself and my body healthy through movement, I also want to inspire females, especially after the ASICS Move Every Mind survey brought the gender exercise gap to light. Through Project 1000, I hope to encourage women around the world to experience the joys of movement, which will also improve their mental wellbeing.
How did completing the final leg in Singapore feel, and how do you hope to inspire others to be more active?
The build-up to the last day was such a special experience as runners and friends had made the trip to Malaysia to join me in the final days and this really inspired me to keep going. The final day in Singapore was completely humbling – the running community came out in full force. I can only describe it as a Forrest Gump moment as throughout the day the crowd just got bigger and bigger. I’ve never been one to underestimate the power of community, but this time it felt even more surreal and empowering. Friends from all over offered support, from ASICS to the running and sports community, plus my close family and friends – I could not have accomplished this without them.
This run was really to show females (and males) that we can do amazing things, no matter our age or capabilities.
What’s your next challenge?
Oh, you’ll have to wait and see – stay tuned for that one! But there’s something big again in 2025!
For more information about Project 1000, follow Natalie on Instagram at @rockstararms. To donate to GRLS, visit project1000.run.
Liked this article about ultramarathon runner Natalie Dau and her Guinness World Record? Read more health and fitness stories here.
This article first appeared in the November 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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