Cancer awareness advocate Lim Shyang Guey, 66, will be running a 2,200 km run, called Run for Gold, across peninsular Malaysia to raise funds for childhood cancer. SG aims to run between 25 to 35 km daily with rest days scheduled in between.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — Cancer awareness advocate and runner Lim Shyang Guey, with the support of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) will officially launch Run for Gold, a 2,200-kilometre run across Peninsular Malaysia, aimed at raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer.
The run will also serve as the Torch Relay component of this year’s Relay For Life Malaysia 2026, carrying the spirit of hope and solidarity from community to community along the route.
Through this nationwide journey, the initiative aims to raise RM600,000 to support childhood cancer awareness efforts and critical services for young patients and their families.
Funds raised will also be channelled to NCSM, specifically for childhood cancer support services such as the Home of Hope, psychosocial care, and survivorship programmes. NCSM currently runs these services across Penang, Perak, and Kuala Lumpur.
The run will begin on March 28, 2026, from the NCSM–MPPP Home of Hope, located at Rose Avenue, Penang. Lim will set off on a journey around Peninsular Malaysia before returning in time to celebrate his 67th birthday on June 22.
Over the course of the journey, the 66-year-old runner plans to cover approximately 2,200 kilometres, running between 25 to 35 kilometres daily with rest days scheduled in between. Based on the planned pace and route, the journey is expected to take around 90 days to complete.
More than a physical challenge, the run carries deep personal meaning for Lim. The journey was originally a dream he had planned with his late wife, Joo Lee, who passed away from cancer in August 2024 at the age of 63. The couple had hoped to one day travel on foot around Peninsula Malaysia together.
“This journey is driven by love, remembrance, and the desire to make a difference,” said Lim. “My wife and I once dreamed of travelling around Peninsular Malaysia on foot.
“After losing her to cancer, I felt compelled to complete this journey, not just for us, but for the children who are bravely fighting cancer every day.”
“At The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, we are deeply moved by Lim’s remarkable commitment to turning personal loss into a powerful force for good. Run for Gold is more than an endurance challenge, it is a journey of hope for children and families affected by cancer.
“We are honoured to support Lim in this meaningful endeavour, and the funds raised will go a long way in strengthening our childhood cancer support services, including the Home of Hope, psychosocial care, and survivorship programmes that support young patients and their families through every stage of their journey,” said Dr Muralitharan Munisamy, NCSM managing director.
Throughout the run, Lim plans to stay primarily at homestays, shared accommodations, or with local hosts, allowing him to connect closely with communities along the route.
These interactions will provide opportunities to share messages about cancer awareness while also listening to the experiences of individuals and families affected by cancer.
At major towns along the route, community engagement events will be organised in collaboration with NCSM, its supporters, caregivers, survivors, and local communities.
The initiative, titled Run for Gold, draws inspiration from the Gold Ribbon, the universal symbol for childhood cancer awareness. The gold ribbon represents the preciousness of children and symbolises the courage, strength, and resilience of young patients and their families.
This journey is being supported by both local and international corporations, including IHH Healthcare, MCIS Life, Kobay Technology Bhd, ASICS, Exabytes, GARMIN, Aurelius Alor Setar, Kuantan and Nilai, and Salam Hospital Terengganu.
Corporations whose CSR principles are aligned with this cause are welcome to discuss their participation with Lim.
Members of the public are also invited to join Lim for the run anywhere along the journey in support of the cause. Those who wish to make a lasting difference in the lives of those children affected by cancer may contribute through donations, which will go towards supporting children with cancer and their families.
Original Article: Run For Gold: 2,200km Run Across Peninsular Malaysia To Raise Awareness For Childhood Cancer
