Presenter and radio broadcaster Vernon Kay has pushed his weary legs to the absolute limit after completing an ultramarathon all in aid of BBC Children in Need. The BBC Radio 2 host completed the final leg of his ultramarathon fundraiser in his home town of Bolton, finishing at the Toughsheet Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC.
Fundraising has now exceeded £4million for BBC Children in Need thanks to Vernon’s epic physical feat running and walking around 115 miles over the past four days. Today (November 17), Vernon Kay left Old Trafford at 7am to take on the final leg of his journey to his home town, weaving through Salford before heading north west through Linnyshaw, Little Hulton and the edges of Bolton via Middlebrook.
Kay set off on his ultramarathon for BBC Children in Need on Tuesday (November 14) from Victoria Park in Leicester. He then ran through the city and the surrounding villages in the Leicestershire countryside – Newton Linford, Beltom and Tongue – before arriving in Derby after 27 miles on foot.
On Wednesday (November 15) Kay headed towards the Peak District, before finishing his 40-mile day in the village of Hope. His third day was the hardest – having to tackle Kinder Scout in the Peak District before heading down into Stockport via Mellor and Marple Bridge and then on to his final pit stop of the day at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground where he was greeted by a huge crowd of supporters.
Vernon Kay finished the 115-mile ultramarathon at the Toughsheet Stadium where BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball was broadcasting live from. A huge crowd of fans cheered him home and into the stadium.
Summarising his ultramarathon experience, Vernon Kay told BBC Radio 2: “I’m absolutely exhausted, absolutely spent. Physically, mentally, there’s nothing in the tank. Is there anyone here who can replace a knee?
“It’s been one of the most painful and joyous experiences I’ve ever had. We’ve met some brilliant people who’ve donated all they can. Just one foot in front of the other, that’s what it was.
“And we had a great team pushing me along, motivating me. Thanks to the gang.”
Fundraising for BBC Children in Need will still continue after Vernon Kay completing his ultramarathon and a live show will take place on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on November 17 from 7pm. You can find out more on how to donate here.