He has covered 1,408km so far, and is running along Jalan Kota Tinggi-Sungai Rengit today.
Meet 66-year-old Lim Shyang Guey (SG), who is already more than halfway through a 2,200km journey around Peninsular Malaysia, and still running strong
More than 50 days into the challenge, SG has covered 1,408km so far, and on 22 May, he is making his way along Jalan Kota Tinggi–Sungai Rengit in Johor.
Rain or shine, the retiree has been clocking between 25km and 35km daily (with rest days in between) since beginning the challenge in Penang back in March.
The project, called Run For Gold (RFG), is a supported long-distance run to raise funds for the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), specifically for childhood cancer support services such as the Home of Hope.
Along the way, SG has been carrying a photo of his late wife, Joo Lee, close to his heart.
The journey began after he lost his wife to cancer in 2024
Just months before her diagnosis, she had completed the Bank of China Hong Kong Half Marathon, a reminder of how running was something they both shared.
One of their dreams was to one day travel around Peninsular Malaysia on foot. They never got to complete it together.
After her passing, SG decided to continue that dream through Run For Gold, with “gold” symbolising childhood cancer awareness.
The journey has not been without its challenges
At one point, SG had to complete a 40km stretch from Gerik to the Royal Belum Forest Resort, a route with no towns or rest stops in between.
On another occasion, a crew member was involved in a hit-and-run incident during an early morning run, sustaining injuries to the arm and shoulder. SG has since reminded participants to prioritise safety, including wearing headlamps, reflective gear, and blinkers during early runs.
Despite this, the journey has been lifted by strong support from family, friends, and strangers along the way.
One of the most meaningful moments came when Laurence Carter flew in from Washington to join Run For Gold. SG was inspired by Carter’s book, From Grief to Love, which encouraged him to channel personal loss into purpose.
Run For Gold is helping children and families going through cancer treatment
Run For Gold supports NCSM’s Home of Hope programme, which provides free accommodation and essential support for underprivileged children with cancer and their caregivers during treatment.
While survival rates in developed countries can reach 80% to 90%, Malaysia’s rate is estimated at 30% to 40%, often due to financial constraints and limited access to long-term care.
Many families are forced to travel and stay in bigger cities for weeks or months while their children undergo treatment. Home of Hope also provides counselling, recreation, and emotional support.
Here's where you can join him next:
SG still has several states to cover before the final stretch, including Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and Penang.
He will complete the journey on 21 June with a 78km run around Penang Island, just before his 67th birthday.
The campaign is also part of NCSM’s Relay For Life initiative, with SG carrying the torch across multiple states.
Check out the upcoming stops below. (Do note that the exact dates and times are updated on SG’s Instagram Stories daily)
These are also upcoming Relay for Life events which are organised by NCSM, which SG will attend:
- 26 May, 10.30am: Relay For Life at Biocon Iskandar
- 31 May, 2pm: Relay For Life at MCIS Melaka
- 7 June, 6.30am: Relay For Life Public Run, Kuala Lumpur (The event is expected to feature around 1,000 runners as part of the NCSM 60 Wellness Weekend)
- 10 June, 1pm: Relay For Life at MySkills Kalumpang Campus
- 14 June, around 10am: Relay For Life at Ibu Pejabat Kontinjen Perak
- 21 June, around 5pm: NCSM x Relay For Life Grand Finale at Penang Port
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Usually there are free screenings and talks, tune in on his Instagram for agendas.
The Run For Gold website shares daily updates, GPS tracking, fundraising progress, photos, and upcoming event details.
You can follow or support the journey on the website.
Those interested in joining SG along parts of the route can also reach out via the campaign’s Instagram page or contact form to coordinate meet-up points.
