Sara Cox Begins 135-Mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge
On Monday morning, Sara Cox set off from Kielder Forest to undertake the demanding 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge. This event is BBC Children In Need's longest-ever Radio 2 challenge and is expected to last five days.
Support from Locals and Unique Welcomers
At the start, Sara, aged 50, was cheered on by local residents and notably encouraged by a bagpiper. Upon reaching Northumberland, she was warmly greeted by alpacas, adding a special touch to her journey.
Sara Cox Shares Her Feelings Before the Challenge
"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."
Training and Mission Details
After months of intense preparation, Sara began her journey carrying a lightweight Pudsey Bear backpack weighing only 270 grams. Her goal is to deliver Pudsey, BBC Children In Need’s beloved mascot, to the town of Pudsey in Leeds by Friday, symbolizing a journey from the border to the heart of the country.