At 75, Iain Buchan isn’t slowing down. The founder of The Unlimited and The Unlimited Child, along with his daughter Wallis Watt and son-in-law Ken Watt, is preparing for one of the world’s most extreme challenges: the Antarctic Ice Marathon, scheduled for December 13, 2024. Their mission? To raise awareness for The Unlimited Child, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving Early Childhood Development (ECD) across Southern Africa and beyond.
A Personal Mission
For Wallis, Iain, and Ken, the marathon is more than just a race. It’s a call to action for the world to invest in the youngest generation. “The harsh reality is that millions of children, not only in South Africa but around the world, lack access to quality early childhood education,” Wallis explains. “If we don’t act with urgency, the long-term consequences will be severe. Without proper education in those critical early years, children lose opportunities that can’t be reclaimed later. No matter how dedicated teachers are, they can’t fully overcome gaps left in those formative years. Every child deserves a strong foundation to succeed.”
Since its founding in 2009, The Unlimited Child has made significant progress. The program has impacted over 2 million children in South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Yemen. It has trained 12,431 practitioners and supported 5,834 ECD centers with resources, training, and ongoing support. “While we’ve made great strides, we’ve only just begun,” Wallis adds. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and global awareness is key to making this a reality.”
A Family of Adventurers
This isn’t the first time the Buchan family has pushed their limits. Earlier this year, Wallis and Ken completed the Comrades Marathon. In 2015, Iain and his sons, Zack and Barney, along with Ken, climbed Mt. Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. But the Antarctic Ice Marathon presents a unique challenge: 42.2 kilometers in temperatures that can drop as low as -20°C, with fierce winds and the constant risk of frostbite and hypothermia. It requires exceptional endurance and preparation.
Training for the Ultimate Endurance Test
Training for the Ice Marathon has been a year-long commitment. While the team has completed several marathons, they’ve focused on building endurance and adjusting to the extreme conditions of Antarctica, which could add at least an hour to their usual marathon time.
In 2021, they had planned to run the marathon, but COVID-19 forced them to delay. Instead, Iain ran his first marathon at the age of 72 in Port Elizabeth, despite having undergone a quadruple bypass. “Nothing stops my dad,” says Wallis. “His courage and determination inspire us all. This race is a reflection of his belief in the power of possibility – for us, for the children we want to help, and for anyone who dares to dream big.”
Why the Antarctic Ice Marathon?
The Antarctic Ice Marathon, held at 80 degrees south near the South Pole, is the southernmost marathon on Earth and one of only two official marathons in the Antarctic Circle. Recognized by Guinness World Records, it is a true test of resilience and endurance. For the Buchan family, the marathon is more than just an event; it symbolizes their mission. Just as the frozen landscape presents a daunting challenge, the path to quality education for every child is filled with obstacles – but the rewards are invaluable.
A Call to Action
As Iain, Wallis, and Ken prepare to cross the finish line in December, their goal is to inspire action. “When we invest in children, we invest in the future,” Wallis says. “A small donation can make a big difference. For just R25 a month, you can support a child for an entire year.” The family hopes their journey will encourage others to invest in children’s education, one step, one child, and one dream at a time.
Through this extraordinary challenge, the Buchan family is not just running a marathon – they’re running for a cause that could change the future for millions of children around the world.
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