Sara Cox Begins 135-Mile Children in Need Challenge
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox started her Great Northern Marathon Challenge this morning from Kielder Forest. This is BBC Radio 2’s longest-ever Children in Need challenge.
Over five days, Sara will cover 135 miles on foot, carrying the iconic Pudsey Bear from Northumberland to Pudsey in Leeds. The journey symbolizes bringing Pudsey from the border to the heart of his namesake town, supporting BBC Children in Need.
Community Support at the Start
Locals welcomed Sara with cheers, accompanied by the Morpeth Pipe Band’s Stuart Todd on bagpipes and Andrea Foote from Morpeth Riding for the Disabled blowing the start horn. Even a group of alpacas appeared to see her off.
“I feel more relaxed than I have been for weeks,” Sara said live on BBC Breakfast at the start line. “My toes are already soggy” due to heavy drizzle.
Challenge Route and Conditions
Sara will travel on foot through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, walking and jogging without vehicle support.
Speaking to Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Sara shared: “There are loads of people here. Everyone has got their Pudsey ears on. It’s absolutely gorgeous actually. And a man with bagpipes!”
Listeners can track her progress live on the BBC Children in Need website.
This bold journey blends endurance with community spirit, highlighting dedication to a cherished charity through an inspiring physical challenge.
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