Sara Cox to undertake Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC Children in Need
Sara Cox, presenter of Radio 2’s Teatime Show (Monday to Friday, 4–7pm) and Radio 2 Book Club, will take on a truly epic test of stamina and spirit this November as she sets out on Radio 2’s longest-ever challenge, a five-day mission to get Pudsey… to Pudsey!
As announced on Scott Mills Breakfast Show (6.30-9.30am), Sara will take on the distance of five marathons across five days, starting from the wild beauty of the Kielder Forest on the Scottish borders and finishing in Pudsey in Leeds – a symbolic journey carrying BBC Children in Need’s iconic mascot from border to heartland.
Covering 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge will see her run, jog, and walk through sweeping moorland, steep ridges, and the rolling hills of northern England, all while carrying a very special Pudsey Bear backpack.
Sara’s challenge will kick off on Monday 10 November in the Kielder Forest and reach its finale in Pudsey, Leeds, on the afternoon of Friday 14 November, with support from towns, villages, and Radio 2 listeners along the way.
This marks Radio 2’s longest-ever challenge in terms of duration, and Sara will be relying entirely on her own two feet – whether walking or jogging - no bikes, no cars, just determination, and a generous helping of great northern grit.
Sara Cox says: “When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured and horrified in equal measure - 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! Just like with Vernon & 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 & 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.”
Paddy McGuinness, who raised an astonishing £10.3 million last year for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, says: “I know exactly what Sara will be going through so I and the rest of the Radio 2 family of listeners (as well as the Bolton massive) will be supporting her every step of the way, especially up all those hills!”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need says: “Sara’s inspiring challenge will help make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across the UK who are facing incredibly tough circumstances. Right now, the need for support is greater than ever – but thanks to the generosity of the public, and the unwavering kindness of Radio 2 listeners, we can continue to be there for hundreds of thousands of children when they need us most. Everyone at BBC Children in Need is behind you all the way – cheering you on with Pudsey.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “Following in the footsteps of some of our most ambitious Children in Need challenges, this year it’s Sara’s turn to go the extra mile – or in her case, 135 of them! This is an extraordinarily tough 5-day challenge that will test her endurance as she crosses stunning but demanding terrain to get Pudsey Bear to his home county of Yorkshire. I would like to thank Sara for taking on this mammoth journey, and I know the amazing Radio 2 listeners will be cheering her on every step of the way.”
During Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge, her fellow Radio 2 presenters will be broadcasting their regular shows while offering her support and motivation, sharing messages from listeners and guests to cheer her on throughout the five-day trek, as well as talking to her live on air. Listeners can keep up with her progress via video highlights across Radio 2’s social media channels.
A BBC TV crew will follow Sara’s journey every step of the way for an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary. Produced by BBC Studios Entertainment, the documentary is set to air on BBC One later in November.
Listeners will be encouraged to take on their own walking or running challenges to support BBC Children in Need – asking themselves, “how far will you go for Pudsey?” Whether it’s a school mile, a park jog or a moorland hike, everyone is invited to get moving. Challenge yourself to help make life lighter for children and sign up at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.
Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge follows in the footsteps of previous Radio 2 challenges including Paddy McGuinness’ Ultra Endurance Cycle in 2024, Vernon Kay’s Ultra Ultra Marathon in 2023, Scott Mills’ 24-hour TreadMills Challenge in 2022, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco Danceathon in 2021, Joe Wicks’ 24 Hour PE Challenge in 2020, and Rylan’s Great Ka-RY-oke Challenge in 2019.
Radio 2 Gala Performance of ABBA Voyage
This year’s Radio 2 Gala Performance in aid of BBC Children in Need is the iconic ABBA Voyage, hosted by the station’s Breakfast Show presenter, Scott Mills. The event will take place on Sunday 9 November at the ABBA Arena, located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London. Scott will be kicking off the proceedings with a special pre-concert DJ set, with ABBA Voyage starting at 1:00pm.
Scott Mills will be getting the party started for the revolutionary concert that sees ABBA, one of the most popular groups in history, perform digitally and backed by a live ten-piece band. Blending cutting-edge technology, spectacular lighting and some of the most beloved songs ever written, ABBA Voyage has welcomed over 3 million visitors from across the globe since opening in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim. Fans can expect to dance and sing along to some of ABBA's biggest hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and Waterloo, as well as newly added tracks such as Money, Money, Money and The Name of the Game. For further information and to book tickets, visit bbc.co.uk/radio2events.