Southport Dads London Marathon 2026: "Like Brothers" Running for Girls

Published: 24 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

As the capital prepares for the 2026 London Marathon this Sunday, April 26, the focus of many will be on two men running not for time, but for the memory of the daughters they lost to an act of unimaginable violence. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, whose daughters were killed in the Southport attack on July 29, 2024, have revealed that their shared journey of grief and training has forged a bond so strong they now consider themselves “like brothers.”

Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, died alongside 6-year-old Bebe King during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at the Hart Space in Southport. While the two fathers ran last year’s marathon separately, this year they will tackle the 26.2-mile course side-by-side. “We are doing this together,” Sergio told reporters this week. “When the pain gets bad during the run, I just think of my girl. But having David there beside me—someone who truly understands—makes the impossible seem possible.“

The two fathers found solace in each other’s company during the darkest months following the attack. What began as occasional meetings to discuss memorial projects soon evolved into a rigorous training schedule.

The “Brotherhood” of Grief: “There are things you don’t have to say to each other because we both know,” David said during a BBC Breakfast interview. “Running has given us a space to talk, to cry, and to remember our girls. We’ve become family through the worst circumstances imaginable.“

The “Elsie” Motivation: David recalled watching the marathon with Elsie on TV just months before she was killed. “She told me I should run it one day for her grandmother. I never thought I’d be running it for her, but I know she’ll be the one carrying me over that finish line on The Mall.“

A Community United: Bebe King’s parents, Lauren and Ben King, will be among the thousands cheering from the sidelines. “It is incredible what they are doing,” Lauren said. “We want to be there for every step, representing Bebe while they run for Alice and Elsie.“

The marathon is more than a personal challenge; it is a vital fundraising engine for the legacies of the three girls.

Elsie’s Story: David is raising funds for a charitable trust that provides grants to support young people and community initiatives in the Southport area.

Alice’s Playground: Sergio is running to fund a new commemorative playground at Churchtown Primary School, where Alice and Bebe were pupils. The design includes a performance stage and a library—tributes to the girls’ love of creativity and learning.

The Headteacher’s Support: Joining Sergio on the course is Jinnie Payne, the headteacher of Churchtown Primary, who has been a pillar of support for the families since the tragedy.

The 2026 marathon comes just weeks after a public inquiry, led by Sir Adrian Fulford, found that the attack “could and should have been prevented,” citing catastrophic failures by authorities and the killer’s parents. In January 2026, Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for the murders.

For the people of Southport, seeing the “Marathon Dads” on the national stage is a powerful symbol of the town’s resilience. As the two men prepare to cross the finish line together this Sunday, they carry with them the names of three “wonderful, caring little children” whose spirits continue to inspire a nation. In the words of Sergio: “The pain of 26 miles is nothing compared to what we’ve been through. For our girls, we would run 100 miles if we had to.“

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