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South African Family Overcomes Antarctica’s Tough Conditions to Champion Early Childhood Development

Antarctic – On December 13th, 2024, Iain Buchan (75), the founder of The Unlimited, along with his daughter Wallis Watt, chairwoman of The Unlimited, and son-in-law Ken Watt, took on one of the most extreme sporting challenges in the world under perfect Antarctic conditions.

The trio successfully completed the Antarctic Ice Marathon, pushing their limits to raise awareness for Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Facing frigid temperatures of -10°C and navigating difficult terrain, Wallis noted that the snow made running “very energy-sapping due to the give in the snow.”

Despite the challenging conditions, they showcased extraordinary resilience, completing four laps on a 10.5km track alongside 62 marathon runners from around the globe.

“The conditions were perfect – there was a light breeze and clear sunny skies,” remarks Wallis, who achieved a commendable fourth place in the women’s division.

“The sun is remarkably intense there, and we had to be cautious of both sunburn and frostbite simultaneously, covering all exposed skin, including our faces.”

The marathon included aid stations positioned at the start and halfway points of the track, providing vital rest areas where runners could briefly remove their face coverings and gloves to refuel and hydrate with warm water before proceeding.

In the stunning Antarctic landscape, the runners drew inspiration from the natural beauty all around them.

“There were so few distractions, which allowed us to concentrate on little details like the sparkling snow and the countless shades of blue in the sky,” Wallis reminisces.

The family’s finish was especially memorable 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 recounts.

“Ken seized the South African flag, and we ran across the finish together.

“Given the small size of the event, they erected a finishing banner for everyone to run through at the end. It was truly special.”

This remarkable accomplishment is part of the family’s tradition of tackling extreme challenges, from summiting mountains to trekking across the South Pole, all in support of The Unlimited Child’s mission.

To date, this non-profit organization has positively influenced 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 insane, but it aligns with our work at The Unlimited Child,” states Wallis.

“Just as we dedicated months to preparing our minds and bodies for this icy endeavor, The Unlimited Child partners with amazing gogos (grannies) and caregivers who devote themselves to becoming skilled ECD practitioners for our youngest children.

“Just like we couldn’t confront the harsh Antarctic environment without the right gear and support, these incredible women require proper training and resources to perform their remarkable work.

“When equipped with the necessary tools, they’re capable of creating beautiful, safe spaces where children can flourish and learn, even under the toughest circumstances.

“I’ve witnessed it firsthand – both on the ice and within our ECD centres – when people receive the right support and are believed in, they can achieve things they never thought possible.”

As Iain, Wallis, and Ken reflect on their journey through the icy expanse, their message is clear: Every step counts. Every child matters. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.

RELATED: The Unlimited And The Unlimited Child: Family Of Adventurers Takes On Antarctic Ice Marathon – The Bulrushes

For only R25 per month, a child can access a year’s worth of quality early education, unlocking their potential to succeed.

To support this transformative initiative or to learn more, visit: (https://theunlimitedchild.org/donate/)

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