Sara Cox finishes epic five-marathon challenge for BBC Children In Need
Sara Cox has raised more than £9.5 million for BBC Children In Need after completing the equivalent of five marathons in five days.
Sara Cox has raised over £9.5 million for BBC Children In Need after completing her epic five-marathon challenge for the charity.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter finished the Great Northern Marathon challenge on Friday (14.11.25) afternoon after covering the equivalent of five marathons in as many days.
Sara crossed the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, having travelled through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire on her quest to get Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear to his namesake town.
Speaking to Scott Mills on Radio 2 upon finishing the challenge, the 50-year-old presenter said: "That was the hardest thing I've ever done. Oh my gosh, I can't believe it... hello Yorkshire! I'm an honorary Yorkshirewoman now."
Sara - who completed the longest-ever challenge tackled by a Radio 2 presenter for the charity - added: "It's just the hardest thing I've ever done - I've never known pain quite like it. But then, I've never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on.
"On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi. Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house - it was a few people."
A message from Prince William was played out during The Scott Mills Breakfast Show in the morning as he urged Sara to "keep going" on the final day of her challenge.
The 43-year-old royal said: "Sara, massive congratulations for what you're doing.
"You're so nearly there - just a little bit further and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs and, hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets.
"Keep going - you've done fantastically well and the nation's so proud of you."
Sara was greeted in Pudsey with a performance from Spice Girl Melanie C, who also hailed her achievement.
She said: "It's like we're taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already. It's incredible what she's achieved and I can't wait for her to cross that finish line.
"Could Sporty (Spice) have done it? I'd like to think so, but I'm not sure... this is a testament to humans - we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara's our poster girl for that."
