BBC DJ Sara Cox looking to raise millions for Children in Need with 135-mile ultramarathon

BBC DJ Sara Cox Embarks on 135-Mile Ultramarathon for Children in Need

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has launched an extraordinary 135-mile ultramarathon to raise funds for Children in Need. The challenge began Monday morning at Kielder Forest, located on the English-Scottish border.

Sara’s first goal is to reach Hexham in Northumberland by the evening, then she will proceed south over the following four days. Her final destination is Pudsey in Yorkshire, set for Friday, marking the 40th anniversary of the Children in Need mascot, Pudsey Bear, who she carries throughout the run.

The Endurance Challenge

The 135-mile journey, named the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, covers the equivalent of over five standard marathons within five days.

“It’s a terrifying privilege, it’s a terrifying, scary, very tiring privilege to do this… so I’ve trained hard and I’m ready for it. You have no choice but to say yes because it’s a chance to raise lots of money and change lives.” – Sara Cox on BBC Breakfast

Support and Difficulty

DJ Scott Mills, who kicked off Sara’s challenge on his breakfast show, described it as the toughest endurance test the BBC has ever asked a presenter to do, surpassing even Vernon Kay's challenge.

“This is the toughest challenge, simply put, that we have ever put one of our presenters through… way harder than Vernon’s. It’s brutal this one.” – DJ Scott Mills

Background

Author's Summary: Sara Cox takes on the grueling 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge to support Children in Need, showcasing determination and endurance for an important cause.

more

RUN247 RUN247 — 2025-11-10

More News