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 ambitious ultramarathon challenge to raise funds for Children in Need. Starting from Kielder Forest on the English-Scottish border, she began her 135-mile journey on Monday morning.

Route and Purpose

Sara's initial goal is to reach Hexham in Northumberland by the evening. Over the next four days, she plans to continue southward, finishing in Pudsey, Yorkshire on Friday. Throughout the run, she will carry Children in Need’s iconic Pudsey Bear, marking its 40th anniversary.

The Challenge Details

This endurance event is named the Great Northern Marathon Challenge. Covering 135 miles over five days, it equals running just over five marathons consecutively.

Motivation and Support

“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.”

DJ Scott Mills, who sent Sara off during his breakfast show, remarked:

“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.”

Background

By taking on this grueling challenge, Sara Cox aims to significantly boost donations and impact children's lives through the Children in Need campaign.

Author’s summary: Sara Cox undertakes a demanding 135-mile ultramarathon, carrying Pudsey Bear for its 40th birthday, to raise vital funds for Children in Need.

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RUN247 RUN247 — 2025-11-10

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