This Malaysian Is Running 400KM To Raise Funds For Stray Animals. Here's How You Can Help
"Stray animals didn't sign up to be homeless, hungry, or neglected."
By Tamara Jayne — 24 Jan 2025, 06:42 PM
When David Christopher decided to run a gruelling 400km ultramarathon to raise funds for animal non-profit organisation TNRM, his first thought wasn't about glory or records
It was a mix of heartfelt compassion and, as he puts it, "sheer stupidity."
"Stray animals didn't sign up to be homeless, hungry, or neglected," David shared. "If I can trade my temporary misery for theirs, it feels like a more-than-fair deal."The Route 68 Ultra is one of Malaysia's toughest road ultramarathon events, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a new 400km category.
When he's not training or working, David, who lives in Subang, enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Puma and Bobby.
Image via David Christopher (Provided to SAYS)It's a challenge so intense that even seasoned runners might balk. But for David, it's a way to make an unforgettable statement about compassion for stray animals.
"Honestly, I saw 400km and thought, 'That's ridiculous — I should absolutely do it.' Also, who needs toenails, right?" David, who works as a manager at an engineering company, joked.
To put it into perspective, 400km is like running from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, and then taking on another marathon, he shared.
The ultramarathon also includes 10,200 metres of elevation gain, which David compares to "climbing Mount Kinabalu 2.5 times — without the stunning sunrise views."
David has been running since 2011, training for and competing in races from 10km to ultramarathons.
Image via David Christopher (Provided to SAYS)Preparing for a 400km run is no small feat. David's training is gruelling — hours of running, eating (a lot), and recovering just enough to do it all over again.
"Some days I feel invincible; other days, walking to the fridge feels like an ultramarathon," he admitted. "The mental prep? That's just convincing myself it'll somehow be 'fun.'"
"The run should take under 120 hours, which is enough time to binge-watch all 236 episodes of Friends AND still have a day left to argue over who's the best character," he quipped.
"[It's also] long enough for people to stop cheering and start asking, 'Why are you still running?' And long enough to question my life choices several times over. All of this is assuming I don't get distracted by food stalls along the way."
But through it all, his goal is clear: Every step brings him closer to raising funds for neutering, vet care, and other services for strays
Every donation David collects will go directly to TNRM, a non-profit dedicated to managing stray animal populations humanely.
TNRM Malaysia regularly updates how funds are used, and you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
"If you're donating, you have the right to know how your money is spent."
The race starts at an Orang Asli settlement in Jalan Gombak, looping towards Bentong, Genting Sempah, and even Janda Baik
Each lap is about 80km, with four stages totalling 400km.
"Imagine 400km of hills, heat, humidity, and hallucinations," David said. "It's going to hurt, but every step is one closer to helping stray animals."
David's not in this alone. The support he's received from family, friends, and even strangers has been overwhelming.
"Every donation, every message of encouragement — it feels like a tiny victory," he said. "People have been amazing, saying, 'We believe in you — and also want to see if you'll survive.'"
You can help, too. Whether it's donating, sharing the fundraiser, or cheering him on, David says any support counts.
"Even snacks are welcome!"
TNRM Malaysia focuses on humane methods to control stray animal populations. Each neutering procedure can prevent countless animals from being born into hardship.
"Every cent raised will go to TNRM," David promised, adding that if he survives this, he hopes more people will be inspired to adopt, donate, or at least understand the struggles of stray animals.
"If we can help 50 animals, it'll be worth every step I endure. Kindness isn't complicated — you don't need superpowers to help."
The race kicks off at 9am on 18 February. You can follow David's journey and support the cause here.
Together, we can give stray animals a fighting chance.
