A BBC presenter has spent the day running through the Northumbrian countryside as part of her epic Children in Need challenge.
At 8.20am this morning (November 10), Sara Cox, who presents the drivetime show on BBC Radio 2, began her mammoth, 135-mile North of England running challenge.
The presenter spent the day running the marathon-length distance (26.2 miles) from Tower Knowe, Kielder, passing through villages like Tarset, Bellingham, Wark, Humshaugh, Chollerford, Wall and Acomb, before finishing in Hexham this evening.
Along the way, Sara received a traditional welcome sung by The Song Reivers Choir, met Louis the Owl and his handler, Mandy, had her trainers blessed with magical well water, took a stop at the Crown Inn and was celebrated by school children and well-wishers.
Today marks the end of the first leg of Sara's five-part challenge, in which she is aiming to complete five marathons over five days, finishing in Pudsey, Leeds.
Speaking live to BBC Radio 2 upon her Hexham finish, Sara said: "Done in but very happy, amazing.
"I've just run an ultramarathon, I've done over 26 miles! I want to dedicate it to every child that has been helped by the Children in Need projects.
"I want to dedicate this to any child who has been teased for having wonky legs or walking funny or running funny like I always was at school.
"I would like to also mention my big brother David, who we lost in 2019; he was a real Iron Man, he was a multiple Iron Man and incredible athlete, and I’m hoping I’ve just got a bit of strength from him today and it’s been amazing, and thanks to everybody that has come out!
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"It’s dark and it’s raining, but the crowd is amazing," she said.
Arriving to the sounds of Hexham Samba Band and cheers, it was revealed Sara has raised £189,741 so far.
To donate, you can visit https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/sara
In a similar test last year, BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness raised £10.3 million for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge.
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