Seven inspirational photos of Sara Cox crossing finish line in Pudsey for charity challenge

The 50-year-old, who presents the station’s Teatime Show on weekdays, crossed the finish line for her Great Northern Marathon Challenge at about 3.30pm on Friday, after covering the equivalent of five marathons in five days, where she was greeted by a performance from former Spice Girl Melanie C.

After crossing the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds, having started in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, she said: “I can’t believe it, oh my gosh. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it, hello Yorkshire.

“I’m an honorary Yorkshire woman now.”

Carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack, the DJ travelled through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire on her journey.

Speaking to Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2, she added: “It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I’ve never known pain like it.

“But then, I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on.

“On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi.

“Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house – it was a few people.”