Sara Cox is met with alpacas and a bagpiper ahead of 135-mile marathon

Sara Cox Begins 135-Mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge

On Monday morning, Sara Cox started the demanding 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge from Kielder Forest. This is Radio 2's longest-ever BBC Children In Need Challenge, designed to take approximately five days.

Unique Support Along the Route

At the starting line, Sara, aged 50, received encouragement from a local bagpiper. Later, upon reaching Northumberland, she was greeted by a group of alpacas, offering a distinctive and heartwarming welcome.

Sara’s Thoughts 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."

Equipment and Mission

After months of rigorous training, Sara set off carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack weighing just 270 grams. The goal is to carry BBC Children In Need's mascot from the border at Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds by Friday, symbolizing a meaningful journey from edge to heartland.

Event Significance

This challenge marks a significant effort by Sara and highlights her dedication to BBC Children In Need, combining physical endurance with charitable spirit.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-10

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