Sara Cox’s Children in Need marathon challenge route, tracker and how to donate and support
The Radio 2 DJ is setting off on a gruelling 135-mile challenge for Children In Need
Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge will involve Cox covering 135 miles on foot across four counties, all while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack.(Image: BBC/Guy Levy/PA Wire)
Children in Need is back for another year and DJ Sara Cox is taking on the ultimate challenge. The Bolton-born Radio 2 presenter is embarking on a five-day mission kickstarting in Kielder Forest near the Scottish borders, and aiming to finish in Pudsey in Leeds on Friday.
Sara is following in the footsteps of her Radio 2 co-star Paddy McGuiness, who raised £10.m last year after completing a gruelling cycling challenge. Sara however, will be completing hers on foot.
Sara starts her journey today, Monday November 10, and aims to finish on Friday, November 14. Sara’s “Great Northern Marathon Challenge” will see her run, jog and walk through four different counties, covering a total of 135 miles on foot.
She will cross Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire throughout this week before finishing off in time for Friday night’s Children In Need broadcast on BBC One. Carrying Pudsey bear the whole way, Sara aims to get “Pudsey” to Pudsey, in Leeds.
Cox will cover four counties in five days for Children in Need 2025(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Speaking to the BBC, Sara said: “We’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got!”
She continued: “When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured and horrified in equal measure.
“We’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got!
“Just like with Vernon and Paddy, I know the brilliant Radio 2 listeners will be with me every step of the way, and their encouragement and support will shove me up every incline and pull me through my toughest moments. Pudsey has been part of Children in Need for 40 years this year, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by helping raise much-needed funds for children who need it most.”
What is the route?
Sara will cross four counties this week: Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
She sets off today in Kielder Forest near the Scottish Borders and finishes in Pudsey, Leeds.
There will be regular updates on Sara’s whereabouts on air on Radio 2, as well as their social media channels, including Instagram and a live blog.
How to track Sara Cox
There will be a live tracker on Sara which will go live this morning (Monday).
There will be regular updates on Sara’s whereabouts on air on Radio 2, as well as their social media channels, including Instagram and a live blog.
A BBC TV crew will also follow Sara along the way for a behind-the-scenes film set to air later this month.
How to donate to Children in Need 2025
You can donate to Children in Need 2025 via text or online:
To donate £10 text TEN to 70710
To donate £20 text TWENTY to 70710
To donate £30 text THIRTY to 70710
More information is available here.
