Sara Cox begins 135-mile Children in Need challenge
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has begun her Great Northern Marathon Challenge, a 135-mile journey from Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds, raising funds for BBC Children in Need. The event marks the station’s longest-ever challenge of its kind.
Setting off this morning from Kielder Forest, Sara carries Pudsey Bear through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire. Her route is completed entirely on foot over five days, without vehicle support. Locals gathered to cheer her start, including the Morpeth Pipe Band and Andrea Foote from Morpeth Riding for the Disabled, who signaled the launch with a horn. Even a small group of alpacas appeared to see her off.
“I feel more relaxed than I have been for weeks,” said Sara live on BBC Breakfast, while adding that her “toes are already soggy” from the morning drizzle.
“There are loads of people here. Everyone has got their Pudsey ears on. It’s absolutely gorgeous actually. And a man with bagpipes!” she said later to Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
The symbolic journey takes Pudsey Bear from the border to his namesake town, celebrating community spirit and generosity across northern England. Listeners can follow Sara’s progress on a live tracker at BBC Radio 2.
Author’s Summary
Sara Cox embarks on a 135-mile trek from Kielder Forest to Pudsey, carrying Pudsey Bear to raise funds for BBC Children in Need, uniting supporters along her route.