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After running an unreasonable number of kilometers, your brain either sparks a genius idea or completely malfunctions. For David, an ultramarathoner with over a decade of experience, it was probably a bit of both.

Now, he’s gearing up for the Route 68 Ultra, a brutal 400KM ultramarathon. But he’s not just doing it for the challenge—he’s running to raise funds for stray animals, hoping to turn his pain into something meaningful.

Why run 400KM for strays?

David has been running ultra distances for years, which he admits isn’t exactly a practical life skill unless there’s a zombie apocalypse.

But if he’s going to push his body to the limit, he wants it to count for something.

“Stray animals don’t get a choice in their suffering. They didn’t ask to be born on the streets, to scavenge for food, or to be chased away. If my legs can help fund spay and neuter programs for at least 400 animals, then the pain will be worth it,” he told WeirdKaya.

How it became personal

While training, David has met plenty of strays. Some ran alongside him, wagging their tails, while others were sick, starving, or struggling to survive. It was heartbreaking to see.

His own dogs, Puma and Bobby, were born from unplanned litters—one from pets that weren’t spayed, the other from a neighbour’s accidental breeding. If even household pets contribute to the problem, imagine how bad it is for street animals with no one to care for them.

Photo provided to WeirdKaya

But the real wake-up call? The numbers.

One unspfor the voiceless. ????‍♂️????ayed female dog and her offspring can produce 60,000 puppies in six years. A cat? 80,000 kittens. It’s not just a problem—it’s a crisis.

Turning the pain Into purpose

David has done plenty of ultramarathons, but this is the first time Route 68 Ultra is introducing a 400KM category—the longest distance in the race’s 10-year history. It felt like the perfect time to do something bigger than just running.

“Ultramarathons push you beyond your limits. But stray animals? They don’t get to stop when they’re exhausted. They don’t get a medal—just another day of survival. That’s why I’m doing this.”

Every ringgit goes straight to helping street animals get spayed, neutered, and treated.

David’s goal is to fund 400 procedures. Just pledge an amount per KM, and after the race, donate based on how far he runs.

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