Australian Ultramarathoner Sets Record in Peninsular Malaysia Crossing

July 26 (UPI) – Australian ultramarathoner Natalie Dau has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new record for the fastest crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on foot. Over the course of eight days and 46 minutes, Dau covered more than 700 kilometers, starting from Kelantan in the north and finishing in Johor Bahru in the south. This accomplishment further solidifies her status in the ultramarathon community, following her debut in 2019 and her collection of ten championship titles in various races. Dau's record-setting journey was part of her ambitious Project 1,000, which aims to complete a 1,000 km trek from Thailand to Singapore. To meet the demands of this grueling challenge, she maintained a daily running distance of 85 to 95 kilometers, often beginning her runs as early as 12:35 a.m. to escape the oppressive heat. Despite battling an infection during the attempt, she persevered, noting that the last 20 kilometers of each day were particularly grueling. In addition to her personal achievements, Dau's journey served a greater purpose. She aimed to raise funds for GRLS, a global charity dedicated to empowering girls and women through sports. Dau highlighted the significant gender gap in physical activity, with females being 40% less likely to engage in exercise, a disparity that is even more pronounced in underprivileged communities due to various barriers. Through her record-breaking run, Dau not only showcased her athletic prowess but also brought attention to the challenges faced by women in sports, advocating for increased access and opportunities for female athletes worldwide.