Malaysian teen with Down syndrome takes on 100km run to raise RM50k for charity

Alexander (left) poses with the mock cheque alongside his mother, Pang, and younger sister, Clarissa, at the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre’s charity dinner on July 4. Photo: Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre

A teen with Down syndrome (DS) plans to raise RM50,000 for a good cause by completing a 100km running challenge through the 2026 Run Alex Run Campaign.

Last year, Alexander Wilhelm, 16, raised RM30,000 after completing an 84km running challenge through the Run Alex Run (RAR) fundraising initiative.

He launched the initiative with his father, businessman Bruno Wilhelm, 53, in support of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre (KDSFNC) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which Alexander had attended.

"I am very happy and feel good to run to help raise RM30,000 for my school. I hope to get more support for my 2026 Run Alex Run Campaign. Thank you for your support," says Alexander in an email interview from Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

Alexander wants to raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with Down syndrome. Photos: Bruno Wilhelm

Alexander presented the mock cheque to KDSFNC during its annual dinner on July 4. The centre holds a special place in the family's heart, having provided Alexander with early intervention and support during his formative years.

The RAR campaign began in early 2025 with an initial aim of completing a marathon distance of 42km within six months while raising awareness of the abilities of people with DS. Fitness First Malaysia pledged RM10,000 to KDSFNC if Alexander completed the challenge.

Wilhelm (right) with Alexander after completing a run near the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Inspired by his progress, father and son then doubled the distance to 84km and increased the fundraising target to RM50,000. They completed the distance in December, raising RM30,000, and hope to continue building on that total.

Wilhelm says the campaign is far from over.

"This year, we have stepped up to 10km races and hope to complete at least 100km. We also completed our first trial half marathon," Wilhelm says.

"We will continue to run and are looking for new corporate sponsors. Our Give.Asia fundraising page, Run Alex Run, remains open to anyone who wishes to support Alex's mission. All funds go directly to Alex's former school." Through RAR, Wilhelm and his wife, Ashley Pang, 50, want to promote awareness, inclusion and hope.

"Our message to parents of children with special needs is to never underestimate your child. Let them explore different activities and give them the opportunity to excel step by step. They will surprise you.

"It is equally important to have the right mindset in life. We can achieve big goals if we improve in small steps on a regular basis and never give up when we face difficulties," says the father of two.

That belief is embodied in Alexander's personal motto - #BetterEveryDay.

"Nothing expresses this spirit better than running a long distance towards a goal, one small step at a time, again and again," Wilhelm says.

He hopes Alexander's achievement will help challenge public perceptions of people with Down syndrome.

Alexander has grown fitter and more confident through his regular runs.

"We want to create greater awareness and show that people with DS can overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to society."

The journey to completing the 84km challenge was not without its hurdles. Training consistently demanded discipline, while long-distance races tested both physical endurance and mental resilience.

"No big goal is achieved without overcoming challenges," Wilhelm says.

"There are always moments during a race when we feel tired and are tempted to stop. Those are the moments we remind ourselves why we're running and why we must never give up."

He believes building resilience may be even more important than physical fitness, especially for people with special needs who often face additional challenges in their daily lives.

The family's charitable work also extends beyond the running track. Together with his mother, Alexander continues baking bread and muffins through Alex's Bakery under the family's Project Kindness initiative, raising funds for good causes.

As for future plans, Alexander does not intend to slow down. His next goal is to complete a full marathon when he turns 18.

"We hope these achievements will create greater awareness, inspire more families and help raise additional funds for KDSFNC," Wilhelm says.