In the spirit of International Women's Day, we present Natalie Dau, who, not only is a woman, but also, a woman who contains multitudes. Wife, mother, athlete, author, Guinness World Record holder, adidas ambassador... Dau wears all these hats and more.

She created Project 1000 (P1000), where she complete a 1,000km solo run within 12 days as a way to leverage her sporting career for social causes. In 2024, Dau ran from Thailand to Singapore and raised money and awareness for GRLS, a global charity part of Women Win; in 2025, Dau ran from Luzon to Manila with an all-female support crew.

For her third P1000 outing, Dau worked with adidas to attempt to "Break 8", which is to trek across Peninsular Malaysia in under eight days. This means, she has to average 105km per diem. To put that in perspective: she needs to run over two marathons each day for eight days straight.

If Dau accomplishes this, she will set a new Guinness World Record.

While the keyword here is "attempt", it's still pretty damn audacious for Dau to even entertain the thought of it. But she has all the support she needs. Her P1000 crew consists of adidas Runners Singapore coach Arthur Tong, who will cycle alongside Dau to keep her on course; health and performance specialist Mei Yeong and social media / PR lead Esther Wong will monitor Dau's hydration and nutrition. Jaems Chua will orchestrate the film and photography team to capture the entire attempt. Also, joining the support team are Dau's husband (Matthew) and daughter (Lili).

To coincide with International Women's Day, Dau will start her run on 7 March (that's today, if you're reading this) and will finish at the JB customs checkpoint on 14 March). But it's not yet over because when she crosses back to Singapore on 15 March, she will join in for a community run at The Westin Singapore, where participants can join Dau for another run across the Peninsular Malaysia... JK. It's actually an easy 5km or 10km run or walk. (To register, sign up at this link.)

We spoke to Dau about "Break 8", what it means to be a women and about her sporting endeavours.

ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: You've crossed Peninsular Malaysia for Project 1000, and you're attempting to trek that distance faster in under eight days. Why Peninsular Malaysia?

NATALIE DAU: We’ve been there before, and we know what to expect. I’ve got a lot of friends in Malaysia, and it was a great welcome last time we ran there in 2024. It’s really nice to give back to the country that we’re running in as well, so that’s why we’ve decided to go back there to do it again.

ESQ: What makes you so sure that this feat is achievable in under eight days?

ND: I’m not so sure this feat is achievable, but we have to set ourselves high goals in life to see what is possible and what our limits are. So what I can do is try. I’m going to die trying, that’s for sure, and if I succeed, then fantastic.

ESQ: You’ve run extreme distances before. What’s the biggest myth people have about ultra-endurance athletes?

ND: That our knees are terrible. If you do proper strength training, if you’re recovering and fuelling well, and, of course, have the right running shoes, then you should be in good shape.

ESQ: You’re attempting to beat your previous Guinness World Record, which is a measurable achievement. But what’s the immeasurable part of this journey?

ND: Most definitely the charity element. All these runs are underpinned by trying to give back to underserved youth, and this run is no different. We’re running for a charity in Johor Bahru that supports displaced families, with a strong focus on women’s safety and girls’ education. The children will be joining us on the last day, and for me, that’s gonna be the highlight of the run.

ESQ: Running a race such as this means repetition. How do you prevent monotony from becoming an issue?

ND: It’s about embracing that monotony for what it is; being in the moment and appreciating where you are and what you’re doing. And then just taking one step after another.

ESQ: Ultra-endurance often levels the playing field physiologically. Do you think women are misunderstood in this arena? Have you ever felt underestimated because you’re a woman—or has that fuelled you?

ND: Absolutely, I’ve felt underestimated on the start line of many ultra-endurance races. I look a little bit too muscular maybe, I'm a female, and I'm a little bit older. The best revenge is obviously crossing the line first in front of all of the men and then changing their narrative to, “Wow, you’re so strong.” I think it’s just constantly proving that women can do amazing things, and we shouldn’t let anyone tell us that we can’t achieve them.

ESQ: Do you think society celebrates women’s resilience while simultaneously expecting it?

ND: I think we’re starting to celebrate resilience in a more meaningful way. Society expects women to balance it all—be a mother, be a wife, look after the home and also have a career. Is that resilience? One hundred percent. But resilience shows up differently in everyone’s lives, and we’re starting to understand what it really looks like for each of us.

ESQ: What does International Women’s Day mean to someone who expresses empowerment physically rather than rhetorically?

ND: We’re starting to celebrate women from all walks of life, and that’s what International Women’s Day should be about. It’s not just about breaking the glass ceiling in the corporate world, which it often focused on before. Now, it’s about recognising women making a difference everywhere, whether in a science lab, through physical challenges like I do, or by giving back to their communities. We’re finally realising that women are driving change across so many areas of life.

ESQ: Who are the women behind your running feat?

ND: Lili, my 16-year-old daughter, whom I run for, and who helps me with all of the charity work. My mum is also one of my biggest cheerleaders, who has been to two of the Project 1000s. The women in the crew: Esther, May, Sandy, who joined last year, and all the women who have been involved in getting me to the start line: friends, colleagues, and so many others.

ESQ: You've made and broken records; at what point does ambition become obsession?

ND: Yes, it’s easy to become obsessed with a record, but I’ve learned that you can’t define yourself by one achievement. I’m so much more than a Guinness World Record; more than just a runner. I’m a mum, I have a career, a wonderful family, and I value being a good friend. I want to define myself as a whole person, not just by a record.

To keep up with Natalie Dau's progress, follow her on @nataliedau or adidas Singapore (@adidasSG) on Instagram. (Good luck, Natalie!)