800km for Charity – Lim Nghee Huat
"It is a gift, and a lifestyle. I think that everyone should try ... it should be a part of our lifestyle."
800km For Charities
After 12 days of running, it seemed like a pity to not complete the remaining 200km to reach my initial goal of running 1000km in two weeks.
But at that point, I knew that 800km was what my absolutely fatigued body could take, and what my tortured mind could sensibly accept. With a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, I ended my charity endeavour in late 2020, completing 800km in a span of 12 days.
2020 had been an unprecedented year. The Covid-19 coronavirus had led to the cancellation or postponement of many sports and competitive events, including the Tokyo Olympic Games. Battling against the pandemic, many countries had closed their borders, banning foreigners from entering. As such, it was not feasible for me to continue with my annual practice of running an ultramarathon overseas for charity.
“However, an opportunity to participate in a local fundraising activity presented itself in the form of the annual Singapore Exchange (SGX) Bull Charge Run. The event was based on a virtual concept, as Singapore was enforcing a 5-person limit on all social gatherings. It was also not open to the public; I had received the invitation from SGX in June, which left me just 4 months to prepare. But I welcomed the challenge and promptly applied for two weeks of leave from work in November in order to run for a good cause.”
Why 1,000km?
The Singapore Exchange had committed to donate to various charities S$5 for every kilometre ran by a participant, and to match the amount raised from other donors, dollar to dollar.
With this in mind, my wife Deborah decided that a target of 1,000km would be appropriate, as it would correspond with a donation of S$5,000, a nice round number.
“At least 1,000km”, she said. “if not, no S$5,000 to donate, you know?”
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