From January 31 to February 6, Scot Davis undertook the World Marathon Challenge as part of Project Purple’s Pioneer Program, running seven marathons in seven days across all seven continents. The challenge began in Antarctica, followed by Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza, and Miami. This impressive feat was the result of over a year of preparation, during which Scot ran more than 2,500 miles. His late mother, Wanda Wolff, inspired his journey and kept him motivated.
Scot’s Running Journey
Scot’s running journey started in 2001 when he found a boot camp in Houston’s Memorial Park, run by a former Navy SEAL. It was a difficult start. He ran his first marathon in 2010, but it didn’t go as planned.
“I got injured and had a horrible experience even though I finished. I just swore off marathons,” says Scot.
However, he revisited this stance in 2023 and made a comeback, signing up for the Antarctic Marathon. This kickstarted a series of marathons, including one in Chile and another in Houston, within just a few weeks.
Finding Solace in Running During Wanda’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Wanda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020 after experiencing stomach issues and jaundice. Her diagnosis called for Whipple surgery and, because of the pandemic, strict hospital restrictions meant she had to face surgery alone. Despite the challenges, Wanda remained resilient. She was eventually declared cancer-free after a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. However, by September 2021, the cancer returned, but radiation and chemotherapy kept the cancer in check until the Spring of 2023.
“They couldn’t control it anymore,” Scot reflects.
During Wanda’s battle, Scot found solace in running.
“Initially, it was an outlet for me. I got the sense her battle wasn’t going the right way. She’d been fighting it for two and a half years. They diagnosed it early. She had a Whipple procedure, but it was just aggressive. She was struggling at that point,” he says. “I needed something where I could go and be by myself. I could blow off steam, and it gave me something else to focus on.”
Running became a way for Scot to escape the day’s anxieties as he cared for his mother. It also gave him a new perspective on life.
“When you’re caring for somebody and you’re seeing them struggle, I think it gives you a little bit of perspective that if you want to do something, go do it,” he says.
After fighting pancreatic cancer for three years, Wanda passed away on October 13, 2023.
Wanda’s Legacy: A Life of Strength and Service
“She was a fantastic mom. She was so selfless,” says Scot.
Wanda had been diagnosed with breast cancer when Scot was a junior in high school. Despite the toll of chemotherapy, she never missed any of her sons’ events.
“She spent her life caring for other people. She lived a life of serving others,” he says.
Wanda was also active and athletic. She participated in the Navy SEAL boot camp with Scot, and eventually ran half marathons. As she grew older, she remained active, walking her dogs daily and staying involved on the family ranch.
Wanda’s mix of toughness and tenderness had a profound impact on Scot.
“She was sweet and happy, but she was also really tough. When times were hard I saw that toughness, but also tenderness and kindness. I think that’s a good combination to have,” he says. “She didn’t cut us a whole lot of slack growing up. We had to work growing up. That toughness, that grit is what I got from her.”
Training for the World Marathon Challenge
Scot drew on his mother’s grit when preparing for the World Marathon Challenge. He ran over 2,500 miles throughout the year leading up to the event.
“I didn’t miss a training day all year. I stayed really disciplined. I ran when I was sick. I ran regardless of the weather,” he shares. His training wasn’t just physical – it was mental. “Every four to six weeks, I would have a week of really long runs for seven days in a row,” he adds.
Scot’s family played a crucial role in his training. “I set the goal and wanted to be a good example for my kids – if you work really hard for something, you can ultimately accomplish it,” says Scot, echoing the lessons Wanda instilled in him.
Scot was focused on staying healthy, and his running coach and chiropractor were crucial in that regard. “They kept me healthy and motivated,” he says.
Overcoming Challenges During the World Marathon Challenge
Scot faced a variety of obstacles during the World Marathon Challenge, including running with a fever and nausea during the first two marathons in Antarctica and South Africa. Congestion was an added layer of challenge for the next five races.
By the time he reached the sixth marathon in Brazil, the physical toll of his efforts was particularly evident.
“We had just finished in Madrid twelve or fourteen hours before. We arrived in Brazil really early in the morning, and started the race a little before 6 am. Because we were right on the equator, the sun came up fast, very early in the race. It was 92 degrees and really humid and there was no shade. I hadn’t had time to really recover and rehydrate, and I was calorie-deficient. I was getting some muscle spasms in my legs. So I backed off because the goal was to finish,” Scot shares. And finish he did.
Despite enduring extreme conditions and physical exhaustion, Scot never doubted he would complete the challenge.
“Even when I felt like garbage, I knew I was going to finish no matter what because I had worked too hard,” he says.
Honoring Wanda Through Running
Scot previously ran the 2024 Chicago Marathon with Project Purple in dedication to his mother. “Running on the first anniversary of her passing, dedicating that to her, and raising money and awareness for pancreatic cancer was really meaningful,” he says.
The World Marathon Challenge also served as a tribute to Wanda. “Knowing that we had such a successful fundraiser for Project Purple and dedicating this to her was really special,” Scot says. “The fact that she served other people her entire life – me and my brothers, her parents – and she was always so positive, I think this is the least we could do for her.”
Scot continues to honor his mother’s legacy by pushing himself further. At the time of writing, he is preparing for the 2025 Sydney Marathon.
About the Pioneer Program
The Pioneer Program offers runners the opportunity to participate in races that may not have a full team presence, such as hometown 5ks, half marathons, or marathons. Runners in the program help lay the foundation for new teams in new locations.
To learn more about this program, visit our Pioneer Program page.
