First Malaysian woman to complete Marathon des Sables
Image adapted from: Marie Claire and @iancorlessphotography
Those who’ve taken up the challenge of a full 42km marathon know how gruelling it can be, especially when the average Malaysian considers reaching 10,000 steps a day on our step counters as an achievement. But if you think bagging a medal and a “Finisher” tee are all it takes to earn yourself bragging rights, wait till we tell you about Datin Sue Ding.
The 42-year-old lawyer proved that she’s a cut above the rest by successfully completing the strenuous 250km Marathon des Sables back in 2018, and becoming the first Malaysian woman to do so. This year, she’s planning to repeat this feat to raise funds for animal shelter dogs and HIV patients in Malaysia.
Attempting to conquer the 6-day marathon for a second time
Image credit: @iancorlessphotography
The Marathon des Sables is known as an ultramarathon, and at 250km long, it’s approximately 6 times the length of a traditional 42km marathon. Since its inception in 1986, only 22,000 participants including Datin Sue Ding have been brave enough to endure this extreme 6-day test of stamina and strength.
To put that in perspective, Malaysia’s Standard Chartered Run has over 35,000 participants in a single year.
Datin Sue Ding with a Malaysian flag propped in her backpack during the 2008 Marathon des Sables
Image adapted from: Ian Corless
The 2018 marathon that Datin Sue Ding first participated in took runners across the Sahara desert, where temperatures can soar up to 50°C. The Datin is participating once more in this year’s Marathon des Sables, which takes place from 3rd April 2020 to 13th April 2020 in Southern Morocco in the Sahara. She is one of 1,200 runners who are planning to join what is considered one of the world’s most extreme marathons.
All in the name of charity
2 adorable doggos under the care of Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better’s no-kill animal shelter
Image credit: Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better
In her previous run, she raised funds for Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB), which is a local animal shelter in SS2 and Klang, as well as Make-A-Wish Malaysia. This time round, she’ll be running for MDDB as well as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation.
Her decision came after an unfortunate exchange several years ago with a dear friend who contracted HIV. She had received an urgent phone call from him, in which he asked to meet her. He then revealed that he had contracted HIV 10 years before, but had never told her out of fear that she would stop contacting him.
Malaysian AIDS Foundation aims to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS in order to prevent transmission among in youths
Image credit: yam
Datin Sue Ding feels strongly about raising awareness for the less fortunate, which is why she’s chosen the 2 charities that fight for vulnerable strays and those suffering from diseases. Donations raised will be equally divided between the charities.
Her online fundraising campaign started earlier this month on 2nd January 2020 and will go on for about 3 months until 30th April 2020. She’s been accepting contributions for 3 weeks, and has collected RM10,798 at the point of writing.
She plans to achieve even greater heights
Datin Sue Ding at Everest Base Camp in November 2019
Image credit: @d.sueding
Datin Sue Ding has made a name for herself not only through her participation in Marathon des Sables, but also for her other impressive achievements. She’s completed 4 Abbott World Marathon Majors, hiked around the Himalayas for an entire month, and even plans to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Datin Sue Ding climbing up sand dunes in Morocco with fellow runners
Image adapted from: Ian Corless
A Malaysian icon with an even kinder heart
Aside from having an adventurous streak, Datin Sue Ding has managed to win hearts across Malaysia for her selfless deeds. After all, there aren’t many people we know who would be willing to trek 250km to raise funds for the less fortunate.
We’re sure fellow Malaysians are beaming with pride as we read news of her achievements and would gladly support her future adventures, including the upcoming Marathon des Sables.
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