Sara Cox's Children in Need Marathon Route and How to Donate
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has begun a demanding 135-mile charity challenge in support of BBC Children in Need. The Bolton-born DJ set off from Kielder Forest, near the Scottish border, aiming to finish in Pudsey, Leeds, on Friday, November 14.
This five-day journey, called the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, follows in the spirit of her Radio 2 colleague Paddy McGuinness, who raised £10 million last year through a cycling challenge. Unlike him, Sara is covering the distance entirely on foot—running, jogging, and walking across four northern counties.
The Route
- Starting point: Kielder Forest, Northumberland
- Counties crossed: Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
- Ending point: Pudsey, Leeds
- Total distance: 135 miles
- Duration: Five days (November 10–14)
Her Goal and Motivation
Sara’s symbolic aim is to carry the iconic Pudsey Bear from Kielder to Pudsey, uniting the journey with the cause that inspires it.
“We’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got!”
“When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured and horrified in equal measure.”
How to Support
Donations can be made through the BBC’s official Children in Need channels to back Sara’s challenge and help raise funds for children’s projects nationwide.
Author’s Summary: Sara Cox embarks on a tough five-day, 135-mile trek from Kielder to Pudsey, carrying Pudsey Bear to raise money and awareness for BBC Children in Need.