Sara Cox has taken fans on an emotional journey this week as she took part in a gruelling Children In Need challenge.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ embarked on her final leg of the 135-mile Great Northern Marathon challenge on Friday morning, carrying Pudsey bear to the town of Pudsey.
She has been running, jogging and walking all the way to the Yorkshire town near Leeds, having started in Kielder Forest on the Scottish borders back on Monday.
Sara crossed the finish line on Friday afternoon where she was met with her loved ones, including her husband and children, as well as a large crowd of supporters.
Speaking to Scott Mills after finishing, she said “there were times I thought it was endliess [...] not now though, I could bottle this feeling now.”
Sara has raised a whopping £7.6million for charity, battling tearful, sleepless nights and painful blisters for charity.
We’ll bring you the latest updates on Radio 2’s longest-ever Children In Need expedition...
Social media users congratulate Sara on an incredible achievement
18:41 , Megan HowePeople have taken to social media to congratulate Sara on her incredible challenge.
The Radio 2 DJ completed a 135-mile charity trek, setting off on Monday (November 10) from Kielder in Northumberland and finishing today (Friday, November 14) in Pudsey, Leeds.
She covered four counties along the way — Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire — all while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack for the children’s charity.
See some of the reactions below:
Sara Cox Woman Fundraiser Legend @sarajcox
— stu cox (@scox1119) November 14, 2025
There’s so much love for Sara Cox across the UK, and to raise almost £10 million (could happen) SOLO shows the love that there is
— Alex (@AMG_Review) November 14, 2025
If I were a Strictly producer, seeing someone have THIS much public love would be a huge draw… pic.twitter.com/Mp5EswxAaQ
Sara Cox is a class act.
— Raimondo Poncé (@NonBlondeMondo) November 14, 2025
Well done Sara Cox - a phenomenal achievement. And she’s a massive GOONER 😁❤️ pic.twitter.com/ddEHYAKhKQ
— Gareth Stevens (@galthegooner) November 14, 2025
Sara Cox - YAY!!! pic.twitter.com/Hgtx6kM4Ld
— Albertina McNeill (@GreenfordBlog) November 14, 2025
Mel C joined Scott Mills live on BBC Radio 2 during the grand finale of Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need.
Melanie performed her first song of the show, Northern Star.
Speaking about Sara’s challenge, Melanie said: “It’s like we’re taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already. And yeah, I just think this is one of those... It’s incredible what she’s achieved and I just, I can’t wait for her to cross that finish line.
“Could Sporty have done it? I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure […] This is testament to humans, you know, we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara’s our poster girl for that.”
Earlier in the week, the former Spice Girl showed her support to Sara saying: “Hey Sara, it's Melanie C here, Sporty Spice. I am sending all my fitness vibes to you. You have got this. You are amazing. Dig deep, good luck. Love you babe.”
Sara raises a whopping £7.6million
16:10 , Megan HoweSara has raised an incredible £7.6million for Children in Need.
“That will change lives, that will so many children’s and young people’s lives,” she said.
Sara speaks to Scott Mills as she finishes epic challenge
15:53 , Megan Howe“There were times when I thought it was endless,” Sara said, noting how she was not prepared for the hills.
“The stop before the finish last night and I was literally just chanting ‘no pain, no pain’, to try and trick my body.
“Not now though, I wish I could bottle this feeling now,” she added.
Sara is due to speak soon
15:35 , Megan HoweSara is heading inside now after crossing the finish line, she is due to speak live about her challenge.
'That was the hardest thing I've ever done' Sara says as she crosses finish line
15:35 , Megan HoweShe’s done it! Sara Cox has crossed the finish line of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.
She was seen hugging her husband and other loved ones at the finish line.
Large crowds had gathered to cheer her on and applaud her.
Hugging Scott Mills, she said: “That’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Sara is 'in a lot of pain' as she approaches the finish line
15:20 , Megan HoweSpeaking on BBC Radio 2, Sara said: "I'm just in a lot of pain.
"Just my ankles... my shins and my ankles are just battered and swollen.
"But thank you to everyone who's donated, an incredible amount of money has come in.
"Thank you so much, that's really helped. That really boosted me up when we had the 6 million mark at the last pit stop.
"That really got me back out on the road so thank you so much!"
Sara's husband Ben Cyzer speaks to the BBC at the finish line
15:01 , Megan HoweSara’s husband Ben Cyzer has joined the BBC at the finish line.
Speaking to the broadcaster he said Sara has been “up and down”, noting he speaks to her in the morning and the evening to keep up to date with how she’s feeling.
“Its been pretty brutal,” he said. “We just can’t quite believe she’s managed to do it and I know how much she’s looking forward to finishing it, getting home and having a cup of tea in bed.
“She’s obviously an amazing broadcaster,” he added, “and anow an amazing runner and national treasure, but she’s also a wife and mum and we’d like to get her back home in on piece.”
How can I support Sara?
14:44 , Megan HoweSara is now on her final day of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC’s Children in Need, having raised over £6million so far.
She’s nearing the finish line now, so if you’d like to make a donation, visit https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/sara.
Sara battles on despite torrential rain
14:15 , Ekin KarasinSir Rod Stewart sends a special message
13:45 , Ekin KarasinThe legendary singer called Sara an “absolute heroine” as he shared his support for the presenter.
“Hi Sara Cox, it's Rod Stewart here,” the 80-year-old said.
“Just doing his workout. Good luck darling keep going you're an absolute heroine you really are.”
The crooner then sang, “Keep. Right. On. To the end of the road!”
He signed off: “Well done sweetheart.”
Jeremy Vine admits Sara at her 'physical limit'
13:00 , Ekin KarasinThe Radio 2 presenter, 60, gave fans an insight into Sara’s physical and mental health during the brutal 135-mile challenge.
“I saw Sara yesterday, she was doing amazingly well, but it's hard,” he told the BBC.
“It was Yorkshire, it was night, it was wet, it was cold. She was absolutely buoyed up by people that have come out from houses to cheer her on.
“But it's difficult to stop and talk so you're always pushing on, you're always at your physical limit, and she was exhausted.
“I know she'll get to the finish line today and fall into your arms!”
'Keep going!' Sara walks backwards as pain cripples her legs
12:45 , Ekin KarasinA cheeky message from Sara's dad
12:13 , Ekin KarasinFarmer Leonard Cox, 85, was on hand to offer some playful words of support to his daughter.
“Here you are, Sara, should be here feeding these animals instead of messing about,” he joked.
“Ah, I'm kidding. Very proud of you and what you've been doing.”
He concluded cheekily: “Could have picked a better day though."
Sara gets a surprise visit from her brother
12:10 , Ekin KarasinSara hits a whopping £6 million in donations
11:59 , Ekin KarasinGary Davies revealed the shocking amount raised live on Radio 2, telling Sara: "Are you ready for a new total?
“This might put a spring in your step. This is gonna make you want to go back out in the rain. We’ve hit £6,045,049."
Sara gushed: "Oh my God, that's incredible.
“That’s such a big leap. Thank you so much. Six million quid, that is incredible.
“Gosh, that’s really going to power me on, that is going to spur me right on, thank you so much for every penny. Thank you.”
'Thank you so much, everybody': Sara in tears over raising £5 million
11:30 , Ekin KarasinThe radio DJ broke down in tears as she learned she had raised £5,006,515 in donations.
“5 million, guys!” she said shakily, while covering her face with a hand.
Her co-host Scott Mills punched the air in triumph back in the studio and yelled: “That's the power of Radio 2, that's it! We said 5 million, we got 5 million!”
Sara replied through tears: “Thank you so much everybody. Thank you.”
Sara's gruelling challenge in numbers
10:55 , Ekin KarasinThe BBC compiled some statistics to come to terms with Sara’s mammoth trek this week.
- Number of miles travelled: almost 135
- Number of days on the road: 5
- Number of counties visited: 4
- Number of hours Sara has slept: not many
- Number of alpaca supporters: 2
- Number of school sing-a-longs: 2
- Number of pounds raised: more than 5 million
Sara sobs as she hits £5 million mark
09:59 , Ekin Karasin
'The nation is so proud': Prince William surprises Sara with emotional message
08:42 , Ekin KarasinPrince William sent Sara a heartwrenching message of support on the last stretch of her 135-mile challenge.
“Sara, massive congratulations for what you are doing. You are so nearly there, just a little bit further,” he said in a clip shared by the BBC.
“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 Sara was delighted with the message, saying: “Wow, thanks William, big thank you! Thank you, thanks that’s very nice!”
Heavy rain threatens Sara's final day
08:40 , Ekin KarasinStorm Claudia is set to bring heavy and persistent rain to parts of the UK on Friday.
An amber weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, spelling tough conditions for Sara’s last day on the road.
Sara sets off on the final stretch of the challenge
08:34 , Ekin KarasinSara set off on the final day of her gruelling challenge towards Pudsey, cheered on by hundreds of well-wishers.
The presenter, who wore a hooded jacket and gloves to shelter from the worst of the lashing rain, high-fived fans as she began the last stretch.
Supporters lined the roads with umbrellas and yelled out words of encouragement like, “You’re amazing!” and “Go on, Sara!” as bells and horns tooted.
Sara feeling 'sick with nerves' on the final day
08:00 , Ekin KarasinThe presenter gave an insight into her state of mind on the final day of the epic of challenge.
Speaking on Friday morning, Sara admitted she was feeling “sick” with adrenaline and nerves.
“I've not got much left in the tank. I've still got such a long way to go. It is dark and it is raining,” she said.
“The rain is going to be relentless today. My toes are like little cocktail sausages.
“It's so cold - I don't want to go out there... I feel sick. I think it's the adrenaline and nerves.
'I've had so many hugs off so many awesome women'
07:33 , Ekin KarasinSara arrived in the village of Ripley, North Yorkshire, last night to hundreds of well wishers, as the local church rung its bells for her.
The presenter pumped her arms in the air as supporters cheered around her, before swooping in to hug fans.
She then dialled into BBC Radio 2, with Jo Whiley telling her: “Sara! When you hear my voice you know that it's done.”
Sara replied, “I know. I've had so many hugs off so many awesome women,’ as the crowd cheered.
“The whole 'women of acertain age' thing we're not having it are we women?
“We're not gals, we're not women of a certain age. We're over fifty and we're having it, aren't we women?”
Coverage suspended
Thursday 13 November 2025 22:30 , Megan HoweOur coverage has now concluded for the day, but join us again tomorrow for all the latest updates on Sara Cox’s final day of her epic challenge.
'Quitting is absolutely not an option' Sara tells the BBC
Thursday 13 November 2025 20:21 , Megan HoweSpeaking to the BBC as she approached the end of Day 4, Sara said she was in “so much pain” but that “quitting is absolutely not an option”.
“I don't even want to think about tomorrow, I just can't even think about it babe I'm in so much pain,” she said.
“My legs, my calves are so swollen, the paramedic was taking my pulse at the last stop a couple of miles away because I was just running along the street going, "No pain, no pain, no pain", just trying to do mind over matter.
“They asked me if I wanted to carry on a couple of miles back and I'm like, "Yes! Let's finish it.
“It's all so sore but that amount, 3 and a half million, is just incredible.
“Quitting is absolutely not an option.”
Jeremy Vine greets Sara Cox on route
Thursday 13 November 2025 19:31 , Alastair LockhartTV and Radio presenter Jeremy Vine has joined Sara Cox on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge route.
The two stars shared a hug on a rainy road after Sara reached more than 100 miles and raised more than £3 million.
The pair then walked a leg of the journey together.
Radio 2 said: “Jeremy Vine has dashed from London and made it to meet Sara on the route! What a great mate.”
Sara Cox has officially reached 100 miles
Thursday 13 November 2025 18:13 , Megan HoweThe BBC Radio 2 Instagram page made the announcement this evening.
“Sara has now run over 100 miles,” it said.
“What an inspiration! Keep going Sara - you’re nearly there!” one person wrote.
“What a woman @djsaracox you should be immensely proud. We love you keep going kidda,” another person said.
Sara reacts to reaching £3 million in donations
Thursday 13 November 2025 18:06 , Alastair LockhartSara Cox has reacted to reaching more than £3 million in donations for her Children In Need challenge.
The presenter thanked the thousands of people who have contributed to raising the sum.
“Oh my god, we’ve popped over three million!”, she said on Radio 2.
“That is incredible. Thank you so much.”
Fellow Radio 2 DJ Trevor Nelson told her: “Wow. How did you do that? You did that.”
Sara replied: “Well everybody just giving a fiver and a tenner did it. That is amazing, thank you so much.”
Sara Cox gets emotional phone call while on the road
Thursday 13 November 2025 17:14 , Megan HoweSara Cox became tearful after receiving a phone call from her mum while on the road.
“Hi sweetheart! It’s your mum,” her mum can be heard saying.
“We’re tracking you from India. Well done, darling! You’re doing amazing!”
Sara reassured her mum that she was “just sore” but otherwise doing well.
Watch the heartfelt moment here:
Sara Cox raises £3 million for Children in Need
Thursday 13 November 2025 16:52 , Alastair LockhartSara Cox has raised more than £3 million so far in her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.
The amazing milestone for Children in Need was confirmed by BBC Radio 2 as the presenter continues her gruelling journey.
The station said on its Instagram page: “THREEmendous 👏👏👏 You’re doing amazing, Sara! 🧡
“Show Sara your support and donate to BBC Children in Need online at bbc.co.uk/sara”
Viewers will get the chance to watch Sara Cox’s challenge on TV
Thursday 13 November 2025 15:59 , Nuray BulbulThe BBC crew has been documenting her journey throughout, capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments for a special appeal film.
The film titled Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children in Need will air on BBC One on November 19 at 8pm.
Ant and Dec send a message to Sara Cox
Thursday 13 November 2025 15:40 , Nuray BulbulGeordie favourites Ant and Dec sent a heartfelt message to Sara Cox earlier today all the way from Australia, where they’re currently filming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! ahead of its launch next week.
In a video shared on Cox’s Instagram, the pair cheered her on:
“Hello, Coxy! Ant and Dec here,” Dec began. “We’re in Australia, but we’ve heard all about the amazing job you’re doing,” he continued.
Ant added: “Yeah, we’ve heard you’re doing brilliantly — keep up the great work, and lots of love and best wishes.”
Dec wrapped it up with: “Loads of love! Keep it up!”
Reminder on how to donate
Thursday 13 November 2025 15:21 , Nuray Bulbul
To give £10, text TEN to 70710
To give £20, text TWENTY to 70710
To give £30, text THIRTY to 70710
Text charges: your donation plus one standard network message fee.
All donations go directly to BBC Children in Need.
Donors must be 16 or older and have the bill payer’s permission.
100 miles down, 30 more to go
Thursday 13 November 2025 15:06 , Nuray BulbulCox has now completed 100 miles.
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Chips and gravy is the best comfort food
Thursday 13 November 2025 14:53 , Nuray Bulbul
Cox hasn’t got long left until she reaches the end of her challenge. The last few miles are usually the toughest, but Cox proves that a good chips and gravy takes all the pain away.
While on a break, she said: “I’m having chips and gravy with loads of vinegar. It was tough, grinding away those last five miles. The chips and gravy are taking my mind off my shins for a moment.”
Sara Cox’s dog joined on the third day
Thursday 13 November 2025 14:37 , Nuray Bulbul
Cox was briefly joined by her dog Daisy on her third day.
At the time, she said: “Daisy’s just been the most incredible training partner, she has been out on so many runs with me and sometimes I’d have her on lead when we’re on the road and then we’d get to a park and I’d think, "Gosh, have I overdone it with her here, is she alright?" and she’d be like VROOM after a squirrel and I’d think, "Yeah, she’s fine!" But flat-coats are just the best dogs in the world aren’t they?”
"What an amazing woman"
Thursday 13 November 2025 14:20 , Arielle DombSara Cox was spotted by locals in Staindrop yesterday.
Another work commute past Sara Cox and Pudsey Bear today! This time driving en route to an appointment in Staindrop.
— Cup of Tea? 🫖 (@marypot) November 12, 2025
What an amazing woman. Please donate to @BBCCiN and support her multi marathon run! #ChildreninNeed pic.twitter.com/tHJxehICbs
Ant & Dec wish their luck
Thursday 13 November 2025 14:05 , Arielle DombAnt & Dec shared a special message from Sara Cox from Australia this morning.
A mash-up special
Thursday 13 November 2025 13:49 , Arielle DombYesterday, Scott Mills aired a mash-up of Five's hit Keep On Movin,’ recorded specially to help Sara along the way.
How did Sara Cox train for the challenge?
Thursday 13 November 2025 13:22 , Nuray BulbulHere’s how Sara Cox trained for her 135-mile, five-marathon challenge for BBC Children in Need:
She worked with coach Greg Whyte to build a tailored programme, starting from very minimal running experience.
Because she has arthritis in her right knee, strength training had to be adapted — no lunges/back squats; instead she did straight-leg deadlifts and plyometric drills to build joint stability.
The build-up included a walk-run approach (rather than full running all the time), because the route has lots of hills and she was training in a short time frame (10 weeks).
Recovery was given special emphasis: after sessions she used a protein shake, cold bath (10 min), warm shower, compression tights and good caloric intake.
Mentally she broke the distance into manageable chunks “lots of five miles” and sought motivational advice — e.g., from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The day so far in pictures
Thursday 13 November 2025 13:03 , Nuray Bulbul
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What songs is Sara Cox listening to while running?
Thursday 13 November 2025 12:40 , Nuray BulbulTrevor Nelson has especially designed a 'Run Sara Run' playlist to get Cox moving and keep spirits high - here are some of those songs:
- Jr. Walker and the All Stars - (I'm a) Road Runner
- Nuyorican Soul - Runaway (feat. India)
- Naughty Boy - Runnin' (Lose It All) (feat. Beyoncé & Arrow Benjamin)
The official BBC Children in Need single for 2025
Thursday 13 November 2025 12:20 , Nuray Bulbul
Thread of Hope is the official BBC Children in Need single for 2025.
Written by Tom Fletcher — the author and McFly musician — and performed alongside his 10-year-old son Buzz, the song celebrates Pudsey’s 40th anniversary. It serves as the soundtrack for the new animated special Pudsey and the Thread of Hope.
Where is Sara Cox now?
Thursday 13 November 2025 12:03 , Nuray BulbulKeep up with Cox’s journey using the BBC’s online tracker, which maps her progress from Pudsey to Pudsey.
Currently, Cox set off from Richmond this morning and is aiming to reach Ripley by the end of today.
What to expect today as part of the final leg
Thursday 13 November 2025 11:48 , Nuray Bulbul
Cox has already completed three marathons, and today is shaping up to be the toughest and longest leg of her challenge so far.
The route ahead is stunning—but harsh. She faces over 29 relentless miles today.
After making her way through Catterick Garrison, the path becomes even more demanding as she navigates the rolling countryside of Masham, Grewelthorpe, and Kirkby Malzeard.
After more than 12 hours on the road, as daylight fades, she will finally reach Ripley—marking the completion of four full marathons.
Highlights from day four
Thursday 13 November 2025 11:32 , Nuray Bulbul
On day four she ran the leg from Northallerton to Harrogate, moving into more scenic terrain of North Yorkshire as the challenge enters its penultimate stage.
She continued the uphill battle: moorland, hills and rural roads formed part of the route, requiring stamina and focus.
Support from local communities remained strong — people turned out along the route to cheer her on, adding a morale boost.
How much has been raised so far?
Thursday 13 November 2025 11:15 , Nuray BulbulAs of this morning, the official fundraising total has reached an amazing £2,354,405.
Highlights from day three
Thursday 13 November 2025 10:57 , Nuray Bulbul
Cox reached a fundraising milestone of over £1 million on day three, which visibly moved her to tears.
She received large amounts of public and celebrity support, including messages from famous athletes and entertainers, which boosted her morale significantly.
Despite exhaustion and tough terrain, she pressed on through villages in County Durham and into North Yorkshire, showing strong resilience.
How to donate
Thursday 13 November 2025 10:46 , Nuray Bulbul
To give £10, text TEN to 70710
To give £20, text TWENTY to 70710
To give £30, text THIRTY to 70710
Text charges: your donation plus one standard network message fee.
All donations go directly to BBC Children in Need.
Donors must be 16 or older and have the bill payer’s permission.
Highlights from day two
Thursday 13 November 2025 10:35 , Nuray BulbulBy the end of day two her fundraising total was around £650,000 — showing huge public support.
She ran through parts of County Durham and the surrounding villages, where locals and truck drivers gave plenty of encouragement by honking horns and cheering.
The weather remained brutal: she faced strong winds AND lots of sideways rain, making the running conditions especially tough.
Despite the challenge, Cox kept her spirits high and described how the support from the roadside (school‑children waving flags, drivers cheering) was a major lift.
Highlights from day one
Thursday 13 November 2025 10:20 , Nuray Bulbul
Here are some highlights from day one of Cox’s challenge.
She kicked off at around 8:20am from Kielder Forest on the Scottish border.
She covered more than 26 miles on the first day.
Weather conditions were challenging — including rainy, cold, and windy moments.
She made a heartfelt tribute to her late brother, saying she was drawing strength from his memory.
Fundraising on day one saw the total already reaching £331,000+ (and climbing).
The route for day one: from Kielder Forest toward Hexham (in Northumberland) covering the first leg of the journey.
Sara Cox's Children in Need challenge explained
Thursday 13 November 2025 10:13 , Nuray Bulbul
Sara Cox is undertaking a major charity challenge for Children in Need 2025: the “Great Northern Marathon Challenge” — covering about 135 miles on foot over five days across four UK counties (Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire).
Her goal is to raise funds for vulnerable children via the Children in Need programme.
According to the BBC, she has raised over £2 million so far.
Route details: Starting from near the Scottish border (Kielder Forest) and finishing in Pudsey, Leeds.
You can find out more here.
