BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox will pass through Harrogate this week as part of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need.
The challenge began on Monday (10th November) in Kielder Forest near the Scottish Borders and will finish in Pudsey in Leeds on Friday (14th November).
Over five days, Sara will cross Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, travelling entirely on foot.
Sara will pass through the Harrogate district on Thursday evening before setting off on the final leg of her challenge. Main Street in Ripley is expected to be closed to allow her to pass through. Her estimated arrival time is between 6:30pm and 7pm, subject to change.
Carrying BBC Children in Need’s mascot Pudsey Bear, Sara is making what she describes as a symbolic journey “from border to heartland”.
The route covers hills, moors and ridges across northern England, and is equivalent to running five marathons in five days.
Sara said:
“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.”
She added:
“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.”
This marks Radio 2’s longest-ever challenge in terms of duration, with Sara relying entirely on her own two feet – no bikes, no cars, just determination and northern grit – all to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Radio 2’s Paddy McGuinness, who raised over £10 million for the charity in 2024 with his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, said:
“I know exactly what Sara will be going through, so I and the rest of the Radio 2 family of listeners will be supporting her every step of the way – especially up all those hills.”
Listeners are encouraged to line the route to cheer Sara on as she passes through North Yorkshire.
For safety reasons, organisers have asked that people do not join her on the road.
The challenge will conclude at Calverley Golf Club in Pudsey, where the finish line event is ticket-only due to limited space.
Donations can be made online to support BBC Children in Need, which celebrates 40 years of its iconic mascot Pudsey this year.
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