Chan Hui Min has done something she never thought was possible – run 96km in 16 days to raise funds for charity.
The 52-year-old had pledged to complete the distance as part of the Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) Kebaya Run.
She did the run in aid of Johor Women’s League (JEWEL), a non-governmental, non-profit society of women volunteers dedicated to women’s empowerment and advancing the rights of children.
“My target was to reach RM10,000 in donations but sadly we fell short,” said Min, who had promised to do an extra 4km – decked out in a kebaya if the target was met.
“While 96km may seem daunting, it was not too hard as I had 16 days to complete the challenge. That meant I ran or rather walked, an average of 6km per day.
“Some days I did more while other days less, depending on my schedule.”
Chan or ‘Mama Min to her Facebook fans, said she is more of a cyclist than a runner but is never one to shy away from challenges.
In 2015 and 2016, she found a new lease of life when she lost weight. She celebrated by competing in the Spartan Sprint, Spartan Beast and Spartan Super (known as the Spartan Trifecta).
“Having done those races, I figured I might as well do another one and for a good cause too.”
What made the Kebaya Run more challenging was the fact Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) had prohibited inter-district travelling.
But, even that, had a silver lining.
“I usually go cycling with my husband (radio personality and actor Patrick Teoh) around the Klang Valley but due to CMCO, we couldn’t leave our district,” she said.
“So when I took up the challenge to run/walk 96km, I had to so close to our home in Damansara Perdana.
“What that made me realise was there are actually some beautiful places around our home.
“I discovered some interesting places in Petaling Jaya and even in Kampung Sg Penchala.
“I had a different perspective and going out at different times – sometimes morning and sometimes evenings, made everything seem fresh.”
As for her next challenge, Chan said she hasn’t thought about it and is just happy she can travel again.
