A South African family has braved Antarctica’s icy extremes, conquering the gruelling Antarctic Ice Marathon not just for glory but to light the way for millions of children through Early Childhood Development – a true triumph of resilience and purpose.
Antarctica (28 December 2024) – Under the strikingly serene but extreme conditions of Antarctica, a South African family has achieved something extraordinary. On the 13th of December 2024, Iain Buchan (75), founder of The Unlimited, his daughter Wallis Watt, chairwoman of The Unlimited, and son-in-law Ken Watt took on the formidable Antarctic Ice Marathon.
Not only did they push their physical and mental limits, but they did so to champion Early Childhood Development (ECD), raising awareness for a cause that touches millions of young lives.
Facing temperatures of -10°C and a terrain that Wallis described as “very energy-sapping due to the give in the snow,” the trio completed the marathon alongside 62 other participants from around the globe. Wallis secured an impressive fourth place in the women’s category.
“The conditions were perfect – a light breeze and clear sunny skies,” she shared.
“The sun is incredibly powerful there, and we had to take precautions against both sunburn and frostbite at the same time, so we covered all exposed skin, including our faces.”
The family navigated four loops of a 10.5km track, with aid stations offering brief respite and warm water to refuel. Despite the challenges, they drew inspiration from the unspoiled beauty of their surroundings.
“There was so little to distract us, so we focused on small things like the glittering snow and the million shades of blue in the sky,” Wallis recalled.
Their finish was particularly touching as they completed their final laps together.
“My dad was finishing his third lap at the same time that Ken and I came through the finish,” Wallis explained.
“Ken grabbed the South African flag, and we ran through the finish together. Because the event was so small, they put up a finishing banner for everyone to run through at the end. It was really special.”
This remarkable achievement is just one chapter in the family’s ongoing commitment to ECD. Through The Unlimited Child, a non-profit organisation they passionately support, over 2 million children across Southern Africa and Yemen have benefited from quality early learning programmes. The initiative has trained more than 12,000 practitioners and empowered nearly 6,000 Early Childhood Development centres, proving that change is possible even in the toughest circumstances.
Wallis reflected on the parallels between their marathon journey and the work of The Unlimited Child: “Running a marathon in Antarctica might sound crazy, but it’s not so different from what we do at The Unlimited Child. Just as we spent months getting our minds and bodies ready for the icy challenge ahead, The Unlimited Child works with amazing gogos (grannies) and caregivers who pour their hearts into becoming skilled ECD practitioners for our littlest ones. When they’re equipped with what they need, they’re able to create beautiful safe spaces where children can grow and learn, even in the toughest conditions. I’ve seen it firsthand – both on the ice and in our ECD Centres – when you give people the right support and believe in them, they can achieve things they never thought possible.”
Their inspiring message is clear: Every step counts. Every child matters. Together, we can build a brighter future.
For as little as R25 per month, you can help a child access a year of quality early education and unlock their full potential. Visit The Unlimited Child to be part of this life-changing mission. Together, we can make the impossible possible.
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