'I'm quite shy and I don't really like a fuss': Sara Cox on gearing up for 135-mile charity challenge to get Pudsey home

Sara Cox Takes on 135-Mile Charity Challenge for BBC Children in Need

Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox is preparing for a demanding test of endurance across the North of England to raise funds for BBC Children in Need. Known for her tireless spirit and good humor, she now faces a new physical challenge that combines both.

The Journey and Purpose

The 50-year-old broadcaster will travel a total of 135 miles over five days, from Monday to Friday. The route will start in Kielder Forest on the Scottish border and finish in Leeds. This extensive trek represents the distance of five marathons and marks Radio 2’s longest challenge to date. Cox will be joined by Pudsey, the charity’s iconic mascot.

Their destination, Pudsey in West Yorkshire, holds symbolic significance as it is the hometown of Joanna Lane, the graphic designer who created the beloved bear’s image.

Facing the Challenge

“I'm not Mo Farah, I'm not going to be running these each day,” says Cox during a video call. “I'm going to be doing a mixture of running, walking, a light trot and then just stumbling along doing ugly crying on the telly whilst possibly swearing quite a lot.”

Although she admits her knee has been troubling her, Cox remains determined to continue.

“I'm just gonna have to crack on and do it. Nothing gets you to the gym like the thought of letting down lots of children, not raising money for charities, you know what I mean? National humiliation and letting everybody down. That really does make you pep up and pop your trainers on and go to the gym.”

Summary

Sara Cox takes on a five-day, 135-mile trek with Pudsey to raise funds for BBC Children in Need, blending her resilience, humor, and determination to support a cause close to her heart.

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Yorkshire Post Yorkshire Post — 2025-11-06

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