Malaysian Duo to Run Desert Marathon for Charity

KUALA LUMPUR: Two middle-aged men plan to run for charity in what has been dubbed the world’s toughest marathon.

Lawyer Ngae Koh Hieng, 53, and 52-year-old Dr Tan Tah Ming, who owns a clinic in Selayang Baru, have signed up for the Marathon Des Sables (Marathon of Sand) in the Moroccan Sahara from March 25 to 31 to raise funds for Hospis Malaysia.

Carrying a 15kg pack, they will run 240km in pre-set legs, braving temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius, sandstorms and the chance of being bitten by a venomous snake or scorpion.

About 700 people from all over the world will be taking part this year.

Ngae and Tan are the first Malaysians to attempt the bruising marathon.

Ngae said that aside from raising funds for the organisation that offers palliative care to those with life-limiting illnesses like cancer, AIDS, organ failure or progressive neurological conditions, he is running the marathon as a challenge to himself.

He might try swimming across the English channel or climbing Mount Everest next.

Dr Tan has other ideas.

“I might consider taking line dancing classes!” he said.

Those who wish to make a contribution can send a cheque payable to Hospis Malaysia, with “In support of the Sahara runners” written on the back.

Send it to Hospis Malaysia, 2, Jalan 4/96, off Jalan Sekuci, Taman Sri Bahtera, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur.

For more information call Teoh May May at 03-91333936.

(c) 2007 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.