Thousands Receive Singapore based 10-time Ultramarathoner on her return to Singapore on Global Running Day
Singapore, 6 June 2024 - Singapore-based 10-time ultramarathon winner Natalie Dau has completed her 1,000km run from Thailand to Singapore yesterday at 6pm.
Natalie, who began her journey in Hat Yai, Thailand on May 24th, completed her 12-day two-marathon a day journey to loud cheers and an immense reception at the entrance of The Westin Singapore, with hundreds of runners from the running community gathering at the Finish Line and forming two rows to welcome her back to the finish line right on schedule.
Earlier last month, Natalie's project team comprising Natalie Dau, Arthur Tong (operations), Elizabeth Hildebrand (communications), Joan Leong (social media & content), and crew Jaems Chua and Ian Park had announced detailed plans for Project 1000, a record-breaking charity run of 1000 km spanning Thailand to Singapore.
"I honestly didn't know what I actually signed up for when I took this on," shared Jaems Chua with SportPlus.sg. "But these 12 days has transformed me and I am so proud to be working with this team and to witness such an incredible achievement by Natalie."
It was a mammoth task and life-changing mission which the project team successfully completed ahead of schedule on June 5th, Global Running Day, following 12 continuous days on the road.
Natalie began the final day of her journey towards the finish line at the north of Singapore in Marsiling, making her way to the east (UWC Tampines), Kallang and MacPherson, right through Orchard Road, Botanic Gardens, Dover (UWC Dover) and Alexandra Park Connector before concluding at the finish line of The Westin Singapore in Asia Square.
Her achievement was lauded by many in the running community as "incredible" and "amazing", while some called it a once in a generation feat, and the Singapore Book of Records shared that it was a unique attempt at a record that they only witness once in a few decades.
Natalie was joined by runners of all demographics and running groups on Global Running Day, with some joining her as early as 4am on her final stretch of 65km in Singapore. The event was concluded with festivities at The Westin Singapore, welcoming local running groups, organizations, special guests, and partners to celebrate the completion of Natalie’s historic run and all who joined and supported her.
“I’m thrilled to be finishing this run on home territory in Singapore on Global Running Day. Project 1000 is a true community effort and I am thankful to all who joined me in running on June 5th,” Natalie shared.
Natalie's completion of the 1,000 km run also to set a Guinness World Records title for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot” as well as a Singapore Records title for the “Fastest 1000 km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon.”
With Project 1000, Natalie helped to raised funds to support underprivileged women and girls, and bringing awareness to the gender gap in exercise and the importance of physical movement for mental health and overall wellbeing. While challenging herself to push to new limits, she hopes to inspire others and demonstrate the power of personal determination.
Funds raised through Project 1000 are contributed to GRLS, a global charity and part of Women Win, which works to elevate women and girls around the world through sport and exercise.
Natalie’s mission is to lead by example, and aligned with her belief in the power of movement and continuous self-improvement, she hopes to inspire others to build confidence, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and embrace the transformative power of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Missed out on Project 1000? Read our exclusive feature on Project 1000 here.
Donate to Project 1000's Gofundme for GRLS here.
Comments