Sara Cox begins 135-mile Children in Need challenge

Sara Cox Begins 135-Mile Children in Need Challenge

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox started her Great Northern Marathon Challenge this morning from Kielder Forest, marking the station’s longest-ever BBC Children in Need event.

Over five days, Sara will cover 135 miles on foot, carrying Pudsey Bear from Northumberland to the town of Pudsey in Leeds. She will travel through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, walking and jogging without any vehicle support.

Community Support and Atmosphere

Local supporters gathered early to cheer Sara on. Stuart Todd from Morpeth Pipe Band played the bagpipes, and Andrea Foote from Morpeth Riding for the Disabled sounded the start horn. Even a group of alpacas came 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" from the drizzle.

Speaking to Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Sara added: "There are loads of people here. Everyone has got their Pudsey ears on. It’s absolutely gorgeous actually. And a man with bagpipes!"

Challenge Purpose

This symbolic journey brings Pudsey Bear from the border to the heart of his namesake town, raising support for BBC Children in Need.

Listeners can track Sara’s progress live through the BBC website.

Summary: Sara Cox embarks on a 135-mile walk carrying Pudsey Bear, uniting communities across northern England to support BBC Children in Need in a heartfelt, vehicle-free marathon challenge.

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RadioToday — 2025-11-10