Sara Cox is less than half a day away from completing her ambitious target of running the equivalent of five marathons in five days to raise money for Children in Need.
The Radio 2 star started her quest on Monday (November 10) in the five-day mission, which she has vowed to finish even if she is “weeping”.
By Friday morning, the TV personality had raised a whopping £4 million for charity and had even earned herself a congratulations from the Prince of Wales.
Cox is covering 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire - covering a distance of five marathons across five days and said: “We’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got.
"When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured & horrified in equal measure.
- Follow Sara Cox’s challenge live
"Just like with Vernon and Paddy, I know the brilliant Radio 2 listeners will be with me every step of the way, and their encouragement and support will shove me up every incline and pull me through my toughest moments.
“Pudsey has been part of Children in Need for 40 years this year, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by helping raise much-needed funds for children who need it most."
The challenge marks Radio 2’s longest challenge in terms of days.
Despite gruelling conditions and severe weather warnings, Sara is pressing ahead with the hopes of getting to Pudsey by Friday night.
Here is all we know about the epic test of stamina:
What is the route Sara is taking?
Cox started the quest on Monday (November 10) in the Kielder Forest near the Scottish Borders, and is expected to finish the entire challenge in Pudsey, Leeds on Friday (November 14).
From Scotland, she yesterday went through Northumberland National Park, before then following the River North Tyne through the small villages of Bellingham, Wark and Humshaugh, before crossing Hadrian’s Wall.
On Tuesday, she left Hexham, passing through Corbridge and other small towns along the River Tyne before ending the day in Durham.
Day three saw Cox enter North Yorkshire and finish in the market town of Northallerton, a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.
On day four, Cox ran through Northallerton to Harrogate. On the final day, Coz left Harrogate, passing through smaller towns such as Otley and Headingley before heading on rural roads into West Yorkshire and finishing in Pudsey, Leeds - the home of Pudsey Bear.
How can I keep up to date with progress?
There is a live tracker on the BBC Children In Need website, where you can follow Cox’s progress here.
There will also be regular updates on BBC Radio 2 on air and on the station’s social media channels.
Here is a map of the distance travelled, that shows how much of the UK the quest will cover:
How can I donate?
You can text to donate to the challenge. To donate £10 text TEN to 70710, for £20 text TWENTY and for £30 text THIRTY.
Texts will cost your donation +1 standard network message charge with 100% of your donation going directly to BBC Children in Need.
You can also donate online here, by following the link on the BBC Children in Need website.
