60-year-old Lim Yih Fa overcame numerous challenges to complete the Badwater Ultramarathon. Running behind him was Yang Yuan Qing, a member of his support team. (Provided by AdventureCORPS)
On August 1, according to China News Service, during the 217-kilometer Badwater Ultramarathon, Singaporean TV program director Lim Yih Fa, 60, faced not only temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius but also two sandstorms. At one point, he frequently felt nauseous, and later developed blisters on the soles of his feet. But the overwhelming challenges did not make him back down. Persevering, he ultimately completed the course in 42 hours and 34 minutes, becoming the first Singaporean to finish this ultramarathon.
The Badwater Ultramarathon is an event open only to invited athletes. It starts in Badwater, located in California’s Death Valley in the eastern part of the United States, and requires participants to cross two mountain ranges. Competitors must not only tackle the mountainous terrain but also run under extreme heat, which is why it is known as “the world’s toughest ultramarathon.”
Lim said that the temperature was an issue, and there were also frequent strong headwinds.
He said, “I remember when I reached around 70 kilometers, I started feeling unwell, very nauseous but unable to vomit—it was really tough. I took both Western and Chinese medicine, but nothing worked. Eventually, drinking warm honey water helped me gradually recover. When facing these difficulties, I never thought about giving up. Instead, I kept trying to find ways to overcome them.”
First Southeast Asian to complete the race in 36 years
Lim Yih Fa is also the first person from Southeast Asia to complete the ultramarathon in its 36-year history.
He had a five-person support team that provided him with water, sprayed him with water, and handed him cold towels during the race. His wife, Mok Jie Yi, was one of the team members.
Mok Jie Yi said, “I didn’t sleep at all throughout the race. One reason was that I wanted to keep a constant eye on him to ensure he was okay. For instance, at one point, he was probably too tired and didn’t notice he was leaning toward the edge of the mountain path. If we hadn’t reminded him in time, he could have really fallen off the cliff.”
Lim Yih Fa is a devout Christian. Reflecting on completing the ultramarathon, he recalled saying with emotion, “The fact that I could finish it at the age of 60 is truly a blessing.”
Donation from Goh Chok Tong supports charitable organization
Since 2005, all six ultramarathons Lim Yih Fa has participated in have received support from former Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Based on the number of miles he ran, donations were made to organizations in need, contributing to charitable causes.
Senior Minister Goh, who attended a thank-you luncheon held for Lim Yih Fa on July 31, said, “As long as he keeps running, I will keep supporting him.”
This charity run attracted donations from socially conscious companies such as Courts, raising S$50,000 for the charity “Heartware Network” to help underprivileged elderly in the Mountbatten area.