BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most popular radio station, is renowned for its vibrant presenters and strong sense of community. In November 2025, Sara Cox undertook a 135-mile marathon journey across northern England as part of the BBC Children in Need annual appeal. Starting in the rugged beauty of Kielder Forest on the Scottish border, her challenge traversed Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, finally concluding in Pudsey, Leeds, the symbolic home of the Children’s charity mascot, Pudsey Bear.
This stretch is equivalent to completing five marathons in five days, marking it as one of the longest and most demanding challenges ever attempted by a Radio 2 presenter. Sara ran, jogged, and walked through sweeping moorland, steep ridges, and rolling hills, drawing support from towns, villages, and a nationwide cohort of dedicated Radio 2 listeners.
A Wave of Support and Celebrity Backing
Support for Sara Cox flooded in from all corners of the UK. Radio 2 listeners, celebrities, and fellow presenters provided emotional fuel for her journey. Notably, the Prince of Wales (Prince William) publicly congratulated Sara with a heartfelt video message, praising her perseverance and community spirit. His message, broadcast on BBC Radio 2 during the challenge, underscored the significance of her achievement in uniting the nation for a good cause.
Special moments included surprise appearances from family members and live on-air encouragement from Sara’s colleagues, all of which contributed to the emotional highs and lows that punctuated her 135-mile cross-country trek. BBC Radio 2 ensured that listeners could follow her route in real time, turning the marathon into a shared national experience.
The Fundraising Phenomenon
Sara Cox’s marathon challenge broke records, with donations pouring in from Radio 2’s vast audience and beyond. The fundraising total climbed rapidly, surpassing expectations and culminating in £7.6 million raised for BBC Children in Need. These funds will support disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK, continuing the long-standing legacy of BBC Radio 2’s charitable work.
Contributions ranged from small donations to significant pledges, with Sara often reminding listeners that “every fiver or tenner counts.” The emotional response from the public and the presenter herself was palpable as she repeatedly expressed gratitude for “all those who donated, no matter how little”.
The Route and Physical Challenge
Sara’s five-day journey began on Monday in Kielder Forest. Over the next five days, she moved through Northern England’s mountainous paths, historic towns, and challenging weather conditions. Each day brought physical exhaustion, moments of self-doubt, and, ultimately, the triumph of pushing through adversity.
Her backpack carried the iconic Pudsey Bear, a symbol of hope and joy for the Children in Need campaign. The final destination, Pudsey in Leeds, held particular significance, representing both the literal and figurative heart of the nationwide fundraising effort.
Community and Listener Engagement
A hallmark of BBC Radio 2 is its ability to mobilise millions towards a common cause. Throughout the challenge, listeners tuned in live, donated generously, and found inspiration in Sara’s journey. BBC Radio 2’s on-air coverage included regular updates, interviews with participants and celebrities, and calls to action encouraging collective support and fundraising events at home.
Communities along the route held their own events, bake sales, runs, and creative challenges, all inspired by Sara’s dedication. From schoolchildren to pensioners, a diverse swath of the public participated, epitomising the unity that the annual Children in Need appeal inspires across the UK.
Personal Triumph and National Impact
Sara Cox’s marathon not only solidified her reputation as a beloved broadcaster but also highlighted the way BBC Radio 2 rallies listeners and communities for positive change. The fundraising total of £7.6 million sets a new standard for future charity campaigns at the station, emphasising the station’s ongoing commitment to charity, support, and public service broadcasting.
The physical and emotional challenges Sara faced, from tears during the final miles to elation at the finish, captivated the nation and set an example of perseverance and generosity. The stories, updates, and personal moments captured during her journey will resonate through future BBC Radio 2 charitable endeavours.
The Legacy of the Great Northern Marathon
BBC Radio 2 has a storied history of mobilising mass participation in charitable activities, but the 2025 marathon sets a new benchmark. Sara Cox’s journey and the resulting impact serve as a blueprint for future campaigns, demonstrating the heartfelt connection between presenters, listeners, and causes that matter.