EBN- Vernon Kay has been welcomed back to his hometown of Bolton as a hero after completing his incredible ultra-marathon challenge and raising over £4 million for Children in Need.
Completing the fourth and final day of his endurance challenge, in which he set himself the task of running and walking over 100km on behalf of the BBC and Children in Need this year, Kay concluded his epic journey at Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Stadium on Friday morning.
Speaking to Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball as he reached the finish line, Kay described it as “one of the most painful and joyous experiences I’ve ever had”.
He added jokingly: “Is there anyone here who can replace a knee?”
Kay has regularly been appearing live on Radio 2 to update listeners on his progress since he started the marathon on Tuesday.
“I’m absolutely exhausted, absolutely spent, physically, mentally,” Kay said as he crossed the finish line just before 10:15 GMT.
The presenter stopped off at some local landmarks in his hometown of Bolton, including his old school.
“I’m so glad I went to St Joseph’s first because that was a real boost,” Kay said. “It just really elevates you… that’s the pick-me-up I needed.”
He told Ball: “It’s been one of the most painful and joyous experiences I’ve ever had. People we’ve met along away. We’ve met some brilliant people who’ve donated all they can.
“It was just one foot in front of the other, that’s what it was. We’ve had a great team who’ve been absolutely brilliant, pushing me along and motivating me.”
Earlier on Friday, Kay joked that the rain had started just as he was heading for the finish line.
“We get to God’s country, the beautiful sun is rising as I turn to my left and the rain is falling at a constant pace. I can’t believe it. Can you believe it? We’ve done all them miles. We get eight miles away from Bolton and it starts chucking it down,” he said.
