Sara Cox begins five-day BBC Children in Need marathon challenge

Sara Cox Begins Five-Day BBC Children in Need Marathon Challenge

Radio 2’s Sara Cox started her five-day trek from Kielder Forest this morning, carrying a specially designed Pudsey Bear backpack. Her goal is to reach Pudsey in Leeds by 14 November as part of the Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

Covering 135 miles on foot across four counties—Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire—this is the longest Radio 2 challenge in terms of duration. Sara will travel entirely by walking or jogging, without using any vehicles, powered by determination and “a generous helping of great northern grit.”

Community Support at the Start

At Kielder Forest Park, locals gathered to support Sara’s departure. Stuart Todd from Morpeth Pipe Band played as she began, and Andrea Foote from Morpeth Riding for the Disabled Association sounded the official horn to mark the start.

“I am going to be running when I can and then striding along. I may be occasionally stumbling, limping and weeping, but I’ll get my sorry self to Pudsey in Leeds on Friday.” — Sara Cox, BBC Breakfast

The 270-gram Pudsey backpack was specially equipped with a rain mac to withstand the northern weather conditions.

Sara’s Experience Setting Off

Later, on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, Sara shared how calm and uplifted she felt as she began her journey. She appreciated the local support, remarking on the banners and dogs present.

“People have turned up with banners and their dogs – it’s absolutely gorgeous actually.” — Sara Cox, Radio 2 Breakfast Show

Author's note: Sara Cox embarks on an inspiring 135-mile challenge for BBC Children in Need, motivated by community spirit and personal grit.

OnTheRadio — 2025-11-10