On Saturday 11 July, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was awash with blue as 100 runners took on the London Olympic Park 10K in support of Nacoa.
The event formed part of Nacoa’s special year of fundraising inspired by the Chasing Yesterday campaign, bringing together supporters, families and friends to raise awareness for the one in five people affected by a parent’s drinking.
Leading Team Nacoa were ambassadors and supporters Calum Best, Josh Connolly, Ian Stringer, Scott Murdoch and Michelle Heaton, alongside dozens of runners taking on the challenge for a cause close to their hearts.
Despite soaring temperatures of around 28°C, runners of every ability – from seasoned athletes to first-time racers – completed the 10k, cheered on by volunteers and supporters every step of the way.
A huge thank you to Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, runners were kept fuelled with water and snacks throughout the morning. Iceland’s Executive Chairman, Richard Walker, also laced up his trainers to take part in the event.
Members of the public were invited to make a donation in exchange for refreshments, leading to one particularly memorable moment when a supporter donated an incredible £200 for a bottle of water and a flapjack.
Combined with sponsorship through JustGiving and Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation’s matched funding, the event has raised vital funds to help ensure everyone affected by parental alcohol problems know they are not alone.
Endless encouragement
Alongside the runners was Nacoa’s enthusiastic cheer squad, who lined the course with flags, applause and endless encouragement.
One volunteer created a “Hit for Power” sign, inviting runners to tap it for an imaginary boost as tired legs began to kick in. Others found themselves entertaining the crowds with a microphone, while another supporter proudly cycled alongside the route waving a giant Nacoa flag.
Back at Nacoa HQ – the Big Nacoa Tent – one of our youngest volunteers welcomed visitors with infectious enthusiasm.
After diligently helping with the volunteer register, she spent the rest of the morning making new friends and encouraging everyone to enjoy the bubble machine, which quickly became a favourite attraction!
After crossing the finish line, runners reunited with friends, family and volunteers to celebrate with their engraved medals and reflect on an unforgettable morning.
More than anything, the event showcased exactly what Nacoa is all about: bringing people together, raising awareness and reminding children affected by a parent’s drinking that they are never alone.
Next stop: Chasing Yesterday
The Olympic Park 10K may be over, but the challenge is far from finished.
After a well-earned few days of recovery, Josh Connolly, Ian Stringer, Scott Murdoch and Calum Best will head to the Pacific for one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance events: the Chasing Yesterday Marathons.
On 25 July, they will run a marathon in Samoa before boarding a 40-minute flight across the International Date Line to American Samoa – travelling 24 hours back in time.
Still wearing their running kit, they’ll run a second marathon in what is, quite literally, yesterday.
The symbolic challenge reflects a feeling familiar to many children affected by a parent’s drinking: if only we could go back and change the past. We can’t. But together, we can change the future for the children living through it today.
Get involved
Nacoa is a small charity that relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue providing vital services for children affected by a parent’s drinking.
If you’d like to support our work, why not become a Nacoa member and/or volunteer?
We’re also starting to recruit runners for the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April next year.
If you’d like to run for Team Nacoa, please email admin@nacoa.org.uk to find out more..
