The race, known as the Route 68 Ultra, will test his physical endurance and mental strength, but his motivation goes beyond personal achievement. He is also running to raise funds for Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) Malaysia.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, David shared that he is aiming to get pledges amounting to RM120,000 to fund the neutering and spaying of approximately 400 stray dogs and cats.
“TNRM is a really sustainable long-term solution,” said the 43-year-old, emphasising that it is also a humane and compassionate method to manage and reduce the number of strays.
Here’s how you can contribute: you can pledge RM0.10, RM0.20, RM0.50, RM1, RM2 or RM10 for every kilometre David completes.
If he successfully finishes the full 400km, the pledge amount is doubled. If he doesn’t reach the 400km mark, you can contribute based on the total kilometres he covered. For example, if you pledge RM1 per kilometre and David completes 180km, your donation amount is RM180. If he completes the full 400km, your donation amount is RM2 x 400km.
Alternatively, you can opt to pledge a fixed lump sum. After the race, David will notify those who have pledged regarding the distance he completed, and contributions can then be made directly to TNRM Malaysia.
Since launching the fundraising effort on Jan 10, David has raised approximately two-thirds of his target pledge of RM120,000.
“When I started this, I thought, okay, let’s not embarrass myself. I’ll be happy with RM5,000, and RM15,000 was my stretch target,” he recalled with a laugh.
But as word spread and pledges poured in – some from as far as India, the UK, US and Ecuador – he raised the target to RM120,000. The goal of helping 400 animals, he added, was chosen to reflect the 400km he plans to run.
The 400km race category will begin at 9am and has a cut-off time at 9am on Feb 23. There are four stages, which will take participants from Gombak to Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi and Bentong.
The route, he added, also includes 10,200m of “elevation gain”, which refers to the total amount of vertical climbing throughout the race.
David does not merely aim to complete the 400km – a remarkable feat on its own – but to finish within 96 hours, ahead of the 120-hour limit.
While participants can opt to take overnight breaks, he said that he plans to keep pushing forward, stopping only when necessary. To prepare, he has been running an average of 80km to 120km a week, combined with regular gym workouts.
Although David has been participating in marathons for over a decade, his love for animals has been lifelong. Today, he has two beautiful dogs named Puma and Bobby, both of whom were the result of accidental births.
While the canines have been fortunate in finding a loving home with him, David often wonders about the fate of other stray puppies.
Participating in marathons has also given him a closer look at the harsh reality many stray animals face. “Sometimes, they look like they haven’t eaten for a long time. They look ill. When you start asking the hard questions about their life, you realise there’s no happy answer.”
So, as David prepares to give his best in the gruelling race, his heart is with the animals he is trying to help.
“Please support TNRM programmes in Malaysia, whether through TNRM Malaysia or other organisations. Strays exist because we’ve stopped caring for them – whether due to accidental pregnancies or people abandoning puppies and kittens.”
He also urged pet owners to spay or neuter their animals. “If you want another pet, adopt, don’t shop,” he said.
“Strays don’t deserve cruelty. If you’re not interested in helping them, at the very least, leave them alone. Don’t hurt them.”
To pledge, click here. The last day to pledge is Feb 18. However, lump sum donations are welcomed until Feb 28.
Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.