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

BBC DJ Sara Cox takes on 135-mile ultramarathon for Children in Need

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has embarked on an extraordinary 135-mile ultramarathon challenge to support the Children in Need charity. The endurance event, known as the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, marks one of the most demanding tasks ever set for a BBC host.

Epic journey across the North

Cox started her journey on Monday morning from Kielder Forest, located on the English–Scottish border. Her first goal was to reach Hexham, Northumberland, by evening. Over the following four days, she will continue south through northern England, finishing in Pudsey, Yorkshire, on Friday.

The distance equals running slightly more than five marathons in five days. Throughout the challenge, Cox is carrying the beloved Pudsey Bear mascot to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Determination and purpose

“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,”

said Cox during a BBC Breakfast interview before her run began.

Support from colleagues

“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,”

added DJ Scott Mills, who officially sent her off during his breakfast show.

Summary

Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge symbolizes endurance, community spirit, and a shared drive to raise vital funds for Children in Need.

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RUN247 RUN247 — 2025-11-10

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