Sara Cox raised nearly £12m for BBC Children In Need through her 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge, a feat she described as the hardest thing she has ever done. The BBC Radio 2 presenter completed the challenge 12 months ago, covering the distance of five marathons across five days.
The Great Northern Marathon Challenge
Cox ran, jogged and walked 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Her route took her through sweeping moorland, steep ridges and the rolling hills of northern England, with support from towns, villages and Radio 2 listeners along the way.
Prince William was among those who supported her, sending a surprise video message as she headed to the finish line. He told her: "Sara, massive congratulations for what you are doing. You are so nearly there, just a little bit further. 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 is so proud of you."
An exhausted and emotional Cox responded: "Wow, thanks William, big thank you! Thank you, thanks that's very nice!" Other famous faces offering support included Dame Judi Dench, Sir Rod Stewart and Paula Radcliffe, with plenty of dogs along the route wagging their tails for the dog-loving presenter.
Fundraising Total and Reaction
As Cox crossed the finish line she had already raised more than £9m, and since then the amount has soared to almost £12m. She said completing the run was the "maddest, most painful, wonderful thing I've ever, ever done".
Speaking to Radio 2 listeners, she said: "It's just the hardest thing I've ever done – I've never known pain 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."
This Year's Challenge
This year BBC Radio 2's early morning host Owain Wyn Evans is following in her footsteps, taking on a 400-mile cycle ride through the four nations of the UK. His route takes him from Glasgow to the finishing line in his homeland of Cardiff.
Children In Need 2026 is on BBC One on Friday, November 13 from 7pm.
