The Telegraph
Antarctic – On December 13th, 2024, Iain Buchan (75), the creator of The Unlimited, along with his daughter Wallis Watt, chair of The Unlimited, and son-in-law Ken Watt, embarked on one of the most extreme sporting challenges on the planet amid ideal Antarctic conditions.
The trio triumphed in the Antarctic Ice Marathon, pushing their boundaries to promote awareness for Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Braving frigid temperatures of -10°C and challenging terrain, Wallis remarked that the snow made running “very energy-sapping due to the give in the snow.”
In spite of the demanding conditions, they exhibited remarkable determination, completing four laps on a 10.5km course alongside 62 marathon runners from various parts of the world.
“The conditions were perfect – a gentle breeze and bright sunny skies,” Wallis recalls, having achieved an impressive fourth place in the women’s category.
“The sun is exceptionally intense there, and we had to be mindful of both sunburn and frostbite at the same time, covering all exposed skin, including our faces.”
The marathon featured aid stations at the start and halfway points of the track, where runners could momentarily remove their face coverings and gloves to refuel and hydrate with warm water before continuing.
Amid the breathtaking Antarctic scenery, the runners drew motivation from the stunning beauty that surrounded them.
“There were so few distractions, which let us focus on the little details like the glimmering snow and the numerous shades of blue in the sky,” Wallis reflects.
The family’s finish was particularly special as they coincidentally completed their final laps at the same time.
“My dad was finishing his third lap just as Ken and I crossed the finish line,” Wallis shares.
“Ken grabbed the South African flag, and we ran across the finish together.
“Considering the small scale of the event, they made a finishing banner for everyone to run through at the end. It was genuinely special.”
This extraordinary achievement is part of the family’s tradition of taking on extreme challenges, from climbing mountains to trekking across the South Pole, all in support of The Unlimited Child’s mission.
So far, this non-profit organization has positively impacted over 2 million children in Southern Africa and Yemen, trained more than 12,000 practitioners, and empowered nearly 6,000 Early Childhood Development centers.
“Running a marathon in Antarctica may sound crazy, but it resonates with our work at The Unlimited Child,” Wallis affirms.
“Just as we spent months preparing our minds and bodies for this icy challenge, The Unlimited Child collaborates with extraordinary gogos (grannies) and caregivers who dedicate themselves to becoming skilled ECD practitioners for our youngest children.
“Much like we couldn’t face the harsh Antarctic environment without the right gear and support, these incredible women need adequate training and resources to excel in their remarkable roles.
“When equipped with the right tools, they’re capable of creating beautiful, safe environments where children can thrive and learn, even in the most difficult conditions.
“I’ve seen it firsthand – both on the ice and in our ECD centers – when individuals receive the right support and are believed in, they can accomplish feats they never imagined possible.”
As Iain, Wallis, and Ken recall their adventure through the icy landscape, their message is unmistakable: Every step counts. Every child matters. Together, we can ensure that no child is overlooked.
For just R25 a month, a child can receive a year’s worth of quality early education, unlocking their potential to succeed.
To support this vital initiative or to find out more, visit: (https://theunlimitedchild.org/donate/)
