WHEN limits are broken –physical and mental— barriers break too.
As of this writing, ultra-marathoner Natalie Dau, 52, is approaching her 320-kilometer mark near Laoag, Ilocos Norte, as she wraps up day three of her 12-day journey to traverse Luzon, Philippines, entirely on foot.
On Monday, the Australian-Singaporean endurance runner launched her expedition in Cagayan Valley, marking the start of ‘2025 Project 1000’ — an ambitious effort that sees her covering no less than two marathons a day en route to Bonifacio Global City, with stops in Tuguegarao, Laoag, Vigan, Baguio, Tarlac, and Angeles.
At the tip-off, Dau was joined by her brand partner, Asics Philippines, which sent some of its elite athletes to accompany her for the first 21 kilometers.
This marks the second — and final — time she’s undertaking such a feat, after setting multiple international records during her first attempt last year across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
This time around, though, she’ll be adding more mindful elements to the journey aiming to transform her physical effort into lasting social impact across Philippine provinces.
“It’s for the Filipino women and children,” Dau told SPIN.ph. “I want to make just a little bit of difference by inspiring them to chase their dreams — to believe in themselves, that anything is possible, and that movement is so important to be able to do so much.”
Part of her journey includes on-ground visits to learning institutions, where Dau raises funds to support scholarships for children. She also distributes food packs sponsored by Jollibee, which has generously supported her Philippine crusade.
Last year, Dau set the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest crossing of peninsular Malaysia on foot’ and the Singapore Book of Records title for the ‘Fastest 1000-KM Ultra Marathoner from Thailand to Singapore’ during her expedition.
Given the immense difficulty, Dau has sworn this will be her final effort of its kind.
“It’s like childbirth — that painful for my body,” she said. “That’s why it’s a big decision to do it again.”
Her decision to focus on the Philippines is deeply rooted in her admiration for the resilience of Filipinos.
“I promised myself it’s the last time, and it’s here in the Philippines because it’s really close to my heart. I didn’t even think about doing it in any other country. We were surprised by the difference we made the first time, and to be able to do it again here is a privilege.”
Dau is expected to conclude her journey around 5:00 PM in Bonifacio Global City on May 2.
To commemorate the event, Asics Philippines has also released exclusive caps and shoelace merchandise.
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