She did it!

Just over a year ago Ballito’s Lara Kruiskamp set out to do something most may think impossible: becoming the first woman in Africa to run a marathon on each continent in 12 months.
After completing marathons in China, Vietnam, Sydney, Peru, South Africa, New York and now Antarctica Lara has returned home with a huge smile and bragging rights.
Lara described her final icy marathon as emotional and rewarding.
“Before my Antarctica run I enjoyed my pre-marathon breakfast of peanut butter on toast and coffee. I snuck in a piece of Nutella toast and a banana too. At the race briefing the night before we were told to ‘void’ ourselves beforehand because whatever goes into Antarctica must come off.”
She did the marathon in two pairs of socks, three pairs of pants, four sweaters and a beanie.
“After the first 14 kilometres I was still elated and feeling strong and then at 16 kilometres I hit a wall. My calves started to cramp from the cold, I felt nauseous and light-headed and my legs felt like lead. I thought of stopping at 21 kilometres but I started to pray and found the power to push through.”
Lara said what got her to the finish line was her ultimate goal: raising enough money through her non-profit organisation RestoreSA to build villages for vulnerable women and children in Africa.
“These were the toughest conditions I have ever run in. Wind, rain, sleet, snow, mud, ice, slush – but I ran every step for our five million orphans. We will rescue you, restore your lives, raise you up as leaders and release you as stars to Restore SA.”
This marathon was also special because Lara’s brother Nick joined her at the last minute. She also helped guide Hein Wagner, the first blind man ever to run a marathon on Antarctica, over the finish line.
Lara plans to write a book on her journey of faith and adventure and will be doing presentations at schools, churches and businesses to raise funds and awareness.
She also plans to run the Everest Base Camp marathon with her running partner Harry Botha later this year.
“All glory to God for this epic journey and leading me each step of the way. Thank you to Harry for his connection and commitment and my amazing family and friends for their endless love and support.”