Antarctic – On December 13, 2024, Iain Buchan (75), the founder of The Unlimited, along with his daughter Wallis Watt, the chairwoman of The Unlimited, and son-in-law Ken Watt, embarked on one of the most challenging sporting adventures in the world amidst ideal Antarctic conditions.
The trio successfully completed the Antarctic Ice Marathon, pushing their limits to highlight the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Braving temperatures as low as -10°C and difficult terrains, Wallis remarked that the snowy conditions made running “incredibly energy-sapping due to the give in the snow.”
Overcoming challenging conditions, they demonstrated remarkable resilience, completing four laps on a 10.5km track alongside 62 marathon runners from various corners of the world.
“The conditions were ideal – there was a gentle breeze and clear sunny skies,” Wallis shares, having achieved an impressive fourth place in the women’s division.
“The sun there is exceptionally intense, and we had to be careful of both sunburn and frostbite at the same time, making sure to cover all exposed skin, including our faces.”
The marathon featured aid stations at the start and halfway points of the track, serving as essential rest stops where runners could take a moment to remove their face coverings and gloves to refuel and hydrate with warm water before continuing.
In the breathtaking Antarctic scenery, the runners found motivation in the remarkable natural beauty surrounding them.
“With so few distractions, we could focus on the little details, like the glimmering snow and the myriad shades of blue in the sky,” Wallis reflects.
The family’s finish was particularly special as they fortuitously completed their final laps simultaneously.
“My dad was finishing his third lap just as Ken and I crossed the finish line,” Wallis recalls.
“Ken grabbed the South African flag, and we ran through the finish line together.
“Given the event’s small scale, they set up a finishing banner for everyone to run through at the end. It was a truly special moment.”
This extraordinary achievement is part of the family’s legacy of undertaking extreme challenges, from climbing mountains to trekking across the South Pole, all in the name of supporting The Unlimited Child’s mission.
To date, this non-profit organization has positively impacted over 2 million children in Southern Africa and Yemen, trained over 12,000 practitioners, and empowered nearly 6,000 Early Childhood Development centers.
“Completing a marathon in Antarctica may seem outrageous, but it resonates with our work at The Unlimited Child,” Wallis declares.
“Just as we spent months preparing our minds and bodies for this icy challenge, The Unlimited Child collaborates with amazing gogos (grannies) and caregivers dedicated to becoming skilled ECD practitioners for our youngest children.
“Just like we couldn’t face the harsh Antarctic climate without proper gear and support, these remarkable women need adequate training and resources to excel in their important work.
“Equipped with the right tools, they can create beautiful, safe environments where children thrive and learn, even in the toughest conditions.
“I’ve seen it firsthand – both on the ice and within our ECD centres – when people receive the right support and belief, they can accomplish things they never thought possible.”
As Iain, Wallis, and Ken reflect on their journey through the frozen landscape, their message is clear: Every step counts. Every child matters. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.
For just R25 a month, a child can receive a year’s worth of high-quality early education, unleashing their potential for success.
To support this transformative initiative or learn more, visit: (https://theunlimitedchild.org/donate/)
