ExCo
Between 15-21 November 2025, Dr Yuzaiful Yusof, Associate Professor and Consultant Rheumatologist at University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, completed one of the most gruelling physical and mental endurance challenges.
He took part in the Great World Race by running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days (777).
Alongside 59 other runners, he ran marathons in Cape Town (Africa), Wolf’s Fang (Antarctica), Perth (Oceania), Abu Dhabi (Asia), Algarve (Europe), Cartagena (South America) and finished in Miami (North America).
Having only taking up running since late 2022 following a nasty ankle injury that required a major surgery, prior to the Great World Race, Dr Yusof completed 12 marathons including the prestigious 6-Star Abbott World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York) and 2 Ultra Marathons.
He took up the Great World Race challenge to further test his physical and mental resilience for personal growth. He is also raising funds for two charitable organisations, Lupus UK and Sjogren's UK.
Both provide support for people living with these lifelong and debilitating autoimmune conditions where there is no cure.
He wants to raise public awareness about the two conditions, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's disease that he specialises in terms of clinical care and research delivery.
Dr Yusof said: “We had had so many curveballs thrown at us during the race including extreme conditions from -30 C in Antarctica to 30 C in Perth - all within 24 hrs, 95% humidity in Cartagena, sleep deprivation, development of blisters within blisters, ankle swelling and tendon injuries, and yet, we came on top!
“I am utterly grateful to have met and getting to know my Great World Race friends or whom I called warriors.
"I am inspired from each of their journey and how hard we fought every day for the last 7 days. Camaraderie at its best!”
“I am also incredibly proud to be the first Malaysian to complete this historic feat.
"Importantly, I want to demonstrate to the public the power of physical and mental resilience. I am an everyday runner and a doctor by profession. I hope my journey will inspire future HEROES. Dream big, work hard and nothing is ever impossible!”
Link to fundraising page: https://gvwhl.com/VZWJS
"Thank you for your kind donation to help me surpass my target."
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Celebration after completing Marathon No. 2 in Antarctica in gruelling condition -30 C wind chill Photo: Submitted
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All smiles at the finish line in Miami, USA, the last leg of the Great World Race Photo: Submitted
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Warm reception by the officials in Abu Dhabi, UAE during the Asia leg Photo: Submitted