BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has taken on an extraordinary physical challenge to raise vital funds for Children in Need, pushing her limits across the northern English countryside.
The Mammoth Challenge Begins
The Great Northern Marathon Challenge commenced on Monday, November 10th, with Cox tackling an impressive 135 miles across four counties - Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. This demanding route equates to running five full marathons over just five consecutive days.
Beginning amidst the stunning wilderness of Kielder Forest near the Scottish borders, the popular broadcaster aims to cross the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds on Friday afternoon, November 14th. This symbolic journey will transport her from the Scottish frontier directly to the home turf of Pudsey Bear, the beloved Children in Need mascot.
Support Along the Route
Throughout her demanding journey, Cox receives enthusiastic support from towns, villages and loyal Radio 2 listeners who have been cheering her progress. Among her most dedicated supporters are her husband, advertising executive Ben Cyzer, and their three children.
The 50-year-old presenter, who also regularly hosts BBC One's Morning Live, currently resides in London with her family and their menagerie of pets. A self-confessed animal lover originally from Bolton in Greater Manchester, Cox has balanced her broadcasting career with family life since finding happiness with Cyzer after previous relationship difficulties.
Overcoming Past Heartache
Before her current successful broadcasting career, which included presenting roles on Channel 4's The Girlie Show, MTV and The Big Breakfast, Cox initially pursued modelling. However, her personal journey hasn't been without significant challenges.
She was previously married to DJ Jon Carter, exchanging vows in a secret North London ceremony in October 2001. The couple welcomed daughter Lola Anne together, but sadly their marriage ended after four years in 2005.
In a recent interview with The Times in July 2024, Cox revealed that her marriage followed "a very unhappy relationship" with an ex-boyfriend at the start of her career. She described living in Arnos Grove in Enfield, north London, in a converted church with someone who "turned out to be horrible and he stole from me." Cox recalled feeling emotionally stranded before ending the relationship and embarking on her successful MTV and Big Breakfast years.
Finding Lasting Happiness
After splitting from her first husband, Cox found lasting love with Ben Cyzer, with whom she now has two children - son Isaac and daughter Renee. When their relationship first blossomed, she couldn't contain her happiness, telling the Daily Mirror: "I am very happy and smug and pleased and loved."
She praised her partner's thoughtful nature, saying: "I have a really good balance in my life. I have a lot of support and a brilliant other half. Me and Ben live together in our new, lovely home. He's just brilliant."
In June, Cox celebrated their 20-year anniversary since meeting at Glastonbury by sharing holiday snaps from Italy on her official Instagram account, though Cyzer prefers to remain out of the public eye and wasn't featured in the photos. She captioned the images: "Lake Garda/Bergamo/Lake Como. 20 years since we met at Glastonbury. 12 years married."
As Cox continues her remarkable 135-mile journey for Children in Need, she draws strength from both her supportive family and her own resilience, having overcome personal challenges to build the happy life she enjoys today.
