David’s Mission to Complete 400km Ultra Marathon to Help Strays

Running for a Cause

David Christopher’s mission to complete a gruelling 400km ultra marathon is fuelled by his desire to give stray animals a better quality of life. The 43-year-old will take on the challenge, known as the Route 68 Ultra, on February 18, aiming to raise funds for Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) Malaysia.

Aiming to Raise RM120,000

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. Since launching the fundraising effort on January 10, he has raised approximately two-thirds of his target pledge.

The Route 68 Ultra

The 400km race category will begin at 9am and has a cut-off time at 9am on February 23. There are four stages, which will take participants from Gombak to Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi and Bentong. The route also includes 10,200m of “elevation gain”, which refers to the total amount of vertical climbing throughout the race.

Preparation and Training

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. To prepare, he has been running an average of 80km to 120km a week, combined with regular gym workouts.

Why Strays Matter

David’s love for animals has been lifelong, and he has two dogs, Puma and Bobby, who were the result of accidental births. However, he 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.”

Call to Action

David urges 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.”

FAQs

* How can I 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.
* Can I opt for a fixed lump sum? Yes, 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.
* What is the deadline to pledge? The last day to pledge is February 18. However, lump sum donations are welcomed until February 28.
* How can I learn more about Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Malaysia? You can find more information on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Conclusion

David’s mission to complete the 400km ultra marathon is a testament to his dedication to helping stray animals. By supporting his fundraising effort, you can help make a difference in the lives of these innocent creatures. Every pledge counts, and every kilometer counts. Let us join forces to make a positive impact and give strays a better quality of life.