The Chasing Yesterday Marathons

The world’s first time-travelling double marathon

If you grew up with an alcohol-dependent parent, you know the harm can be devastating — and often, it’s hidden.

For the children still living in silence today, a group of inspiring runners are taking on a world-first challenge: two back-to-back marathons across the International Date Line.

In July 2026, they’ll run one marathon in American Samoa, then fly just 40 minutes across the ocean — but 24 hours back in time — to Western Samoa. There, still in their running kit, they’ll run the same distance all over again: a marathon in yesterday.

Because if we could go back, we would. We would break the silence. But we can’t. So, these runners are chasing yesterday — for the children who still wish they could.

This is the Chasing Yesterday Marathons.
Because tomorrow’s kids deserve better.

The Faces Behind the Miles

These runners are not just athletes — they are survivors, children of alcoholics, and champions for change. Their stories are painful, powerful, and deeply personal.

• Calum Best – TV personality, Nacoa patron, and son of football legend George Best.
• Josh Connolly – Wellbeing influencer and Nacoa ambassador, who saw his father overdose at just nine years old.
• Ian Stringer – Sports commentator and journalist, who lost his mum to alcohol in tragic circumstances.
• Rt. Hon. Jonathan Ashworth – Politician and advocate, who has spoken in Parliament about growing up with an alcohol-dependent father.
• Scott Murdoch – Athlete and businessman, who completed the Marathon des Sables for Nacoa.

These are the people running into the heat of the Pacific — not just for themselves, but for every child growing up in the shadow of addiction.

“I was nine years old when I saw my dad take an overdose. As he lay on the floor, I did nothing. My first thought was if I phone an ambulance, my mum will know I’ve seen this and she won’t be able to handle it… I wish I could go back in time and help that hurt young boy”

Josh Connolly, Nacoa ambassador

Why Nacoa

Running Today, Running Yesterday, Changing Tomorrow

Every year in the UK, millions of children are impacted by their parents’ drinking. They are six times more likely to witness domestic violence, three times more likely to consider suicide, and far more likely to struggle at school or with the police.

Half of them will never tell anyone.

That’s why Nacoa exists. Since 1990, we’ve been here with a free, anonymous helpline — now used more than 500,000 times — to give children affected by their parent’s drinking a safe space to talk, and to know they are not alone.

By supporting the Chasing Yesterday Marathons, you’ll help us reach 1,000 schools across the UK, speaking to a million children in assemblies, and training teachers to spot the signs and provide support.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Chasing Yesterday Marathons will capture national media attention, with an estimated reach of millions through social media, television, podcasts, and press coverage. This is a unique chance for sponsors to stand alongside a powerful story — one that will resonate with families across the UK and beyond.

Why Partner With Us?

By sponsoring this world-first challenge, your organisation will:

• Be associated with a high-profile, record-breaking endurance event.
• Align with Nacoa’s mission to support children growing up with parental alcohol problems.
• Reach a combined social media following of over 2.2 million.
• Feature in media stories, influencer-led content, and branded video campaigns.
• Gain visibility through athlete kit, travel gear, and event coverage.

Join the journey

We are looking for

• Headline sponsorship
• Kit partners
• Nutrition partners
• Travel partners

A range of partnership opportunities are available, from headline sponsorship to kit, nutrition, and travel partners. Packages can be tailored to meet your organisation’s goals, ensuring your support is visible, meaningful, and impactful.

Beyond Sponsorship

In addition to direct sponsorship, we welcome partnerships in products and services, including:

• Travel and accommodation
• Athletic equipment and apparel
• Nutrition and hydration support

This story deserves to be heard — and your brand can help amplify it.

A Call for Support

Our goal is to raise £500,000. With your help, we can:

• Reach a million children through school visits.
• Train teachers nationwide.
• Break the silence for the next generation.

This isn’t just a run. It’s a megaphone for millions of silenced children.