If a 1,000km solo run spanning Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia sounds like something out of the Guinness World Records, you’re on the right track. Australian-born ASICS runner and athlete and 10-time ultramarathon champion NATALIE DAU will soon be lacing up her trainers with the aim of completing the historic distance over just 12 days. And she’ll hopefully be bagging a world record at the same time! Dubbed Project 1000, the ambitious undertaking culminates on Global Running Day and aims to shine a spotlight on the gender gap that exists in exercise and inspire people of all backgrounds to embrace the power of movement.
Also known as @rockstararms, 52-year-old Natalie has amassed over 500,000 followers on social media. She’s also co-author of the best-selling book Run Like A Woman. Here the ground-breaking endurance and ultramarathon athlete gives us an insight into her race prep, the endorphin effect of exercise and how she’ll feel when she finally crosses that finish line.
We chat to ASICS ultramarathon runner Natalie Dau
Tell us about the race.
Starting on 25 May in Hat Yai in Thailand, I’ll run two marathons of 42.2km each every day. That’s 84.4km in 24 hours for 12 days straight. I’m hoping to qualify for the Guinness World Records for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot”, as well as the Singapore Book of Records for the “Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon”.
How do you prepare for such a game-changing run?
Staying injury-free, having the necessary apparel and running gear, and maintaining optimal recovery is crucial to ensure success. I’ll be closely monitored and supported over the 12 days.
Who will Project 1000 be raising money for?
Project 1000 is not just a physical challenge. It’s a platform to raise awareness about gender equality in sport and the importance of female representation in endurance sports. Funds raised through Project 1000 will go to my charity partner GRLS, a part of Women Win, who seek to empower girls and women worldwide through sports and movement.
Why does this charity resonate with you?
The 2023 ASICS Move Every Mind study revealed a global gender exercise gap, with 51 percent of women not exercising as much as they want to. (Roughly 40 minutes less a week than men.) Body image issues and fear of judgement are cited as common barriers to exercise.
Coupled with this are the stats from ASICS that highlight the benefits of movement. In fact, women who exercise regularly reported feeling 52 percent happier, 48 percent more confident, 50 percent more energised, 67 percent less stressed and 80 percent less frustrated.
As a long-time athlete, I firmly believe that everyone should be inspired to move their bodies. Project 1000 aims to do just this – empower women and girls to live an energised, active life.
How do you think you’ll feel crossing the finish line?
Project 1000 is set to end at 6pm at The Westin Singapore on 5 June, coinciding with Global Running Day. Over 1,000 runners are expected to turn out from various running clubs to complete the final leg of the journey with me. There’ll also be an after-party that’s open to everyone! Head over to our website for details of the route in Singapore and please consider joining us for the final stretch.
Want to find out more about about Natalie Dau’s fitness journey?
For updates on Project 1000, follow her on Instagram at @rockstararms and ASICS Singapore at @asicssg. To donate to GRLS, visit project1000.run.
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