Sara Cox is met with alpacas and a bagpiper ahead of 135-mile marathon

Sara Cox Begins the Great Northern Marathon Challenge

Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox set off on the demanding 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge from Kielder Forest on Monday morning. The marathon, part of BBC Children In Need, is expected to last five days and marks Radio 2’s longest charity journey to date.

A Unique Send-Off

At the starting line, the 50-year-old was cheered on by locals and accompanied by a bagpiper. As she reached Northumberland, she was greeted by alpacas, adding a charming touch to the event.

“I'm feeling good. I'm feeling more relaxed than I have been for weeks because I've been so nervous in the buildup but now we are actually here and we're going to do it, I feel good thanks... I mean the rain is not great. There's a lot of heavy drizzle, it has paused momentarily but my toes are already soggy.”

The Pudsey Journey

After extensive training, Cox began her trek carrying a lightweight Pudsey Bear backpack weighing around 270 grams. Her goal is to bring Pudsey from Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds by Friday—a symbolic journey linking the borders of northern England to its heart in support of BBC Children In Need.

Author’s Summary

Sara Cox began a five-day, 135-mile charity run from Kielder Forest to Leeds, greeted by alpacas and bagpipes, raising spirits and awareness for BBC Children In Need.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-10

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