KUALA LUMPUR: On March 28, retired engineer Lim Shang Guey embarked on a remarkable mission – to run 2,200km across peninsular Malaysia for charity.
On Sunday, he crossed the finish line at his alma mater, Penang Free School, to thunderous cheers and an emotional welcome, bringing his extraordinary journey to a close and raising more than RM775,000 in the process.
Lim set out on the mission in memory of Goh Joh Lee, his wife of 37 years. The couple had planned to spend their retirement exploring Malaysia together on foot.
Sadly, Goh passed away from gall bladder cancer in August 2024.
Lim decided to continue the journey alone to honour their shared dream, as well as to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer.
He named the initiative “Run for Gold”, after the ribbon that symbolises childhood cancer awareness.
“When I crossed the finish line, I immediately thought of my wife. Even though we had not managed to do this exactly as planned, I felt she was with me throughout this 86-day run, and I felt great joy that we managed to do this together,” Lim told FMT Lifestyle.
The journey was both rewarding and demanding. One of the toughest challenges, Lim said, was waking up at about 3am each day to complete his daily 35-40km adventure.
Running for three or four consecutive days before taking a rest day also took its toll. At times, especially during particularly gruelling stretches, he thought about giving up and going home.
But the memory of his late wife, coupled with the knowledge that he was running for a worthy cause, kept him moving forward.
There were also moments of joy along the way. One of Lim’s favourite stops was Terengganu, where he found the people especially friendly, generous and curious about his journey.
He also made a meaningful visit to Melaka, his wife’s hometown. There, he stayed at the Casa Bonita Hotel, on a site where a property belonging to his wife’s grandfather once stood.
Another memorable moment came in Johor, where he stumbled upon a motorcycle repair shop named “Motosikal Joo Lee”, bearing his wife’s name in both English and Chinese.
“That was a moment I felt she was really with me. On that day, I had to complete a 46km run, and I think that little moment really helped me through the day,” Lim recalled.
Not every memory was a happy one. Near the Belum Rainforest in Perak, one of his crew members was struck by a speeding car while they were on the roadside at night.
He was taken to hospital, where a metal plate was inserted into his arm.
“Fortunately he has since recovered. Even though we had blinkers and a reflective vest on, this still happened. It shows you really have to be careful when running at night,” Lim said.
He added that he was deeply touched by the support he received throughout the journey.
One person who stood out was a Cikgu Sakri from Pekan, who not only ran alongside him in Pahang but also joined him in Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
He also thanked the National Cancer Society Malaysia for its support and for helping organise many of the events held along the route.
The total amount Lim raised includes a contribution of RM50,000 from the Penang chief minister’s office and RM10,000 from his childhood friends.
Lim noted that “the donation box is still open”, with the donation period extended to Aug 24 – the date his wife passed away.
For now, he plans to take a well-earned break. But not for long: after a few weeks, he hopes to resume running and continue advocating for cancer awareness.
But would he ever attempt another nationwide run?
“At the moment, I don’t think so,” Lim said with a laugh, “but never say never. If another opportunity arises, and its for a worthwhile cause, I might look into it.”
Learn more about Run for Gold and support Lim’s cause via its website.
