Sara Cox Embarks on a 135-Mile Challenge for Children in Need
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has officially kicked off a truly inspiring journey — a 135-mile run across northern England — all to raise funds and awareness for BBC Children in Need. The challenge began at the scenic Kielder Forest in Northumberland, where a crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered to send her off with cheers, flags, and the sound of bagpipes.
Sara, who is known for her warm humour and down-to-earth personality, admitted that the trek would not be easy. She laughed that she might be “weeping and limping” by the end of it but remained determined to finish no matter what. Her goal? To carry a specially designed Pudsey Bear backpack from Kielder Forest all the way to the town of Pudsey, near Leeds — a fitting tribute to the iconic charity mascot.
As she set off on the first leg of her adventure, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Locals turned out in the rain, proudly donning their Pudsey ears and waving signs to show support. “It’s definitely wet and soggy but it’s going to be okay,” she told BBC Radio 2, her voice brimming with optimism. “There are loads of people here — kids with flags, everyone’s smiling. It’s lovely.”
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The challenge, known as the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, will see Sara cover 135 miles over five days, passing through four counties — Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire. The journey is not just about endurance; it’s a heartfelt effort to raise money and awareness for children across the UK who need help the most.
Sara’s custom Pudsey backpack — weighing just 270 grams — has even been fitted with a tiny rain mac to protect it from the weather. With a touch of humour, she said she wasn’t sure what condition Pudsey would be in by the time they reached Leeds, but promised that “we’ll look after each other.”
Messages of encouragement have poured in from across the country, including from well-known figures like Olympian Mo Farah, Spice Girl Mel C, and documentary-maker Louis Theroux. Farah cheered her on, saying, “Sara, you’ve got what it takes — believe in yourself.”
Sara’s journey will be documented in a special behind-the-scenes film titled Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children in Need , airing on BBC One on 19 November. It promises to capture not just the physical challenge, but the emotion, humour, and community spirit that define her adventure.
No matter how tough the miles get, Sara Cox’s determination to reach Pudsey — rain, mud, tears and all — perfectly captures the spirit of Children in Need: people coming together, step by step, to make a real difference.
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