This 1,000-kilometer journey will bring aid to underserved communities, provide meals for children, and inspire resilience through movement.
Global endurance athlete and advocate Natalie Dau is set to take on yet another extraordinary feat as she crosses another 1,000km with Project 1000 2025.
Going on an inspiring 12-day journey, from Monday, 21 April to Friday, 2 May 2025, Natalie will traverse Luzon, Philippines, covering between 60 to 100 kilometers per day on foot, all for a bigger purpose.
Natalie is pushing the limits of human endurance as she champions a cause close to her heart. Through Project 1000 2025, she aims to empower girls through movement, build body confidence, and foster educational opportunities. On her first day, she was accompanied by ASICS Philippines ambassadors Gazini Ganados and Marline Capones.
ASICS Athletes Richard Salano and Eduard Flores, as well as ASICS Running Club coaches Dean Cunanan and Precious Que-Aguilar, and ASICS Running Club pacers Miggy Leonardo and Len Gonzales, also participated in the first leg of Natalie’s journey.
Starting in Santa Ana, Natalie will cross some of Luzon’s most iconic locations. She will pass Laoag, Vigan, Baguio, Tarlac, and Angeles before finishing at Jollibee’s new flagship store in BGC, Manila. Through this incredible and challenging journey, Project 1000 2025 will showcase the diverse landscapes and rich culture of the Philippines, offering a powerful narrative of resilience, strength, and community.
ASICS Supports Project 1000’s Mission
As a longtime partner of Natalie, ASICS is fully supporting Project 1000 2025’s second run this year. Apart from providing running gear, ASICS has also curated an exclusive catalogue of shoelaces and caps for the initiative.
ASICS has also developed the Runkeeper challenge. It’s a mini Project 1000 where participants can clock in 1000 minutes with Natalie from 15 April to 15 May. Lastly, ASICS is providing extensive media support through social campaigns — breaking down barriers, sowing seeds of community prosperity, and igniting the flame of individual aspiration.
The Purpose Behind Project 1000
“Project 1000 is not just about running — it’s about proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities to uplift others. Every step I take in the Philippines is dedicated to empowering young girls to believe in themselves and dream bigger. With partners like Jollibee, we can turn this journey into real, lasting change,” said Natalie.
Beyond the physical challenge, Project 1000 2025 is a mission to drive meaningful change. Natalie will use this journey to raise funds for girls’ empowerment initiatives, focusing on promoting movement, self-confidence, and education. The run will also support local and international charities, including on-the-ground visits to schools providing scholarships and donations for children in need.
Supporters can follow Natalie’s incredible journey in real time through her social media channels, contributing to the cause through donations, sponsorships, and active community engagement.
Banner image courtesy of ASICS.