Sara Cox from Little Lever, Bolton, has dedicated countless hours to training and now finally embarks on a demanding challenge. The BBC Radio 2 presenter is set to cover 135 miles over five days, equivalent to running five marathons across four counties.
On Instagram, Sara shared with her 545,000 followers the calm before the challenge:
“Welcome to the calm before the storm. I’m watching Countryfile, in Northumberland, having a lovely time. Tomorrow (Monday), I’ll start my epic Great Northern Marathon Challenge – 135 miles – from Kielder Forest all the way to Pudsey in Leeds. Thanks for all your messages on Instagram, they’ve given me such a boost.”
Sara appeared on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills ahead of the event, with the challenge expected to begin at 8:15 AM. Despite feeling slightly unwell, she expressed her determination:
“I’ll be up super early, my knees will be a-knocking but I am going to give it as much welly as I can despite having a slight lurgy. Let’s do this and raise loads of money for Children in Need.”
Sara joins Bolton and Radio 2 colleagues Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay, who previously completed similar charity challenges, raising millions for Children in Need.
Author's summary: Sara Cox starts an extraordinary five-day, 135-mile marathon challenge to support Children in Need, demonstrating resilience and commitment despite minor health setbacks.