Quick Read
- Sara Cox completed a 135-mile ultramarathon in five days for Children in Need.
- She raised over £7.6 million, surpassing previous fundraising records.
- The challenge involved severe weather, physical pain, and emotional highs.
- Support came from celebrities, the public, and messages nationwide.
- Cox carried Pudsey Bear the entire route, ending in Pudsey, Yorkshire.
Sara Cox’s Epic Ultramarathon: Raising Millions for Children in Need
On a damp Friday afternoon in Yorkshire, BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox crossed the finish line of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge, exhausted but triumphant. Over the course of five relentless days, Cox ran a staggering 135 miles—equivalent to five marathons—through the rolling hills and unpredictable weather of northern England. Her mission? To deliver the iconic Pudsey Bear mascot to the town of Pudsey, all while raising funds and awareness for the Children in Need charity.
From Kielder Forest to Pudsey: A Journey Marked by Pain and Positivity
The challenge began in Kielder Forest, straddling the Scottish border, where Cox set off with a backpack featuring Pudsey Bear. Supported by the cheers of local schoolchildren, dog walkers, and friends—including her dog Daisy for part of the journey—she faced driving rain, biting winds, and endless hills. Each day brought new obstacles: muscle pain, sleep deprivation, and the physical toll of continuous running. At one point, Cox resorted to walking backwards to ease the agony in her legs. The challenge wasn’t just a test of endurance, but a demonstration of resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite the suffering, moments of joy punctuated the ordeal. Support poured in from celebrities like Prince William, Rod Stewart, Peter Kay, Judi Dench, and Mel C, whose video messages and live performances lifted Cox’s spirits. The Prince of Wales encouraged her to persevere, promising a warm welcome and “lots of your favourite crumpets” at the finish line. Even strangers along the route provided encouragement—farmers, truck drivers, and residents opened their doors, offering everything from a place to rest to a much-needed bathroom break.
A Nation Inspired: Donations and Messages Flood In
What started as a “mad, painful, wonderful” idea quickly became a nationwide movement. By the time Cox reached Pudsey, the fundraising total had surpassed £7.6 million, according to BBC and The Guardian. Viewers and listeners sent messages of admiration, calling her an inspiration and a legend. “The nation has been behind you all the way,” wrote one supporter, echoing the sentiment that Cox’s determination had captured hearts across the UK.
The generosity extended beyond individual donations. Schools joined in, running laps to raise money and sending banners of support. Groups of animal lovers lined the route with their dogs, llamas, and horses. Fellow presenter Jeremy Vine even made a surprise appearance, popping out of a hedge to cheer her on.
Physical and Emotional Challenges: “Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done”
As Cox recounted in interviews with fellow DJ Scott Mills, the pain was intense, especially in her calves—“It looks like I’ve been hit with a bat,” she joked. Yet, her endless positivity and focus on the cause pushed her forward. “I was ready for the hard work and the distance, but I was not ready for the hills—and the going down hills,” she admitted to Run247. Music played a crucial role in keeping her motivated, with tracks by Chase & Status, Stormzy, and Blur providing a much-needed boost during low moments.
The challenge’s emotional depth was heightened by personal connections. Cox received a call from her mother and sister in India during one of the toughest segments. The flood of messages from women and children along the roadside reinforced the impact of her efforts, inspiring others to “dig deep and push through.”
Setting New Standards for Charity Challenges
Cox’s accomplishment follows a tradition of extraordinary fundraising efforts for Children in Need. In 2023, Vernon Kay raised over £6 million by running 115 miles, while Paddy McGuinness collected £10.3 million cycling 300 miles on a Raleigh Chopper. Cox’s 135-mile feat now sets a new bar—not just for physical endurance, but for community engagement and emotional resonance.
The fundraising total is expected to climb as the annual Children in Need telethon airs on BBC One and iPlayer, featuring performances by Melanie C and Tom Fletcher and hosted by a star-studded lineup. Cox herself will appear on television specials to share her journey, ensuring the momentum continues beyond the finish line.
Reflecting on the challenge, Cox said: “It’s just been the maddest, most painful, wonderful thing I’ve ever, ever done.” Her words, and the wave of support she received, highlight how acts of individual courage can galvanize collective generosity. In the end, it wasn’t just about running; it was about showing what’s possible when a community rallies behind a cause.
Sara Cox’s marathon was more than a fundraising event—it became a symbol of perseverance, unity, and the enduring power of ordinary people to make extraordinary change. Her journey proves that true impact comes not only from the money raised, but from inspiring others to believe in what’s possible, even when the road ahead looks daunting.