Evans, host of BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show, will cycle 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales in a five-day challenge for BBC Children in Need.
He will begin in Glasgow on November 9 and finish in Cardiff on November 13.
Evans, who hails from Ammanford, said: “When I said yes to this challenge, I knew it would push me well outside my comfort zone.
“It’s going to be tough, demanding, and probably a little daunting at times, but I’m ready to give it absolutely everything I’ve got.
“Sara, Paddy, and Vernon have achieved some truly extraordinary things for BBC Children in Need over the years, so I’ve got a lot to live up to.
“Hopefully, I’ll have the incredible support of Radio 2 listeners behind me from start to finish.
“Together, we can make a real difference for children and young people across the UK, helping to make sure they have someone by their side when they need it the most.”
Owain Wyn Evans’ Four Nations Cycle Challenge
The 4 Nations Cycle Challenge is the longest-ever undertaken for a Radio 2 fundraiser.
The route will take Evans through scenic coastal routes and countryside, including Scotland’s coastline, Northern Ireland’s green landscapes, North West England’s historic towns, and the hills of Wales.
Listeners can follow his journey on Radio 2, BBC Sounds, the station’s website, and social media.
Fellow presenters will offer support throughout the week.
Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said: “Once again Radio 2 is supporting BBC Children in Need with an incredible multi-day challenge, this time taken on by our resident early bird and host of Early Breakfast, Owain.
“I know our amazing listeners right across the UK will come together on air and on the streets to support him, as he pushes himself to his limit across all four nations.
“A huge thank you to Owain for picking up the Pudsey backpack baton from Sara on behalf of the many thousands of children who will benefit from his endeavour.
“Everyone at Radio 2 and our millions of listeners wish him the very best of luck.”
A BBC television crew will accompany Evans, and a special BBC One programme will air in November following the challenge.
CEO of BBC Children in Need, Claire Hoyle, said: “Owain’s incredible challenge is about so much more than the miles he’ll cover.
“At a time when so many children are facing rising challenges, it’s the amazing generosity of the public and the fantastic Radio 2 family that enables us to help more children build confidence, feel hopeful about the future, and know they’re not facing challenges alone.
“We know Owain will need buckets of determination, resilience, and stamina to take on this epic adventure, and everyone at BBC Children in Need will be cheering him on throughout the journey.
“We can’t wait to see him rise to the challenge and inspire the nation along the way.”
Professor Greg Whyte, a leading sports scientist who supported Sara Cox’s challenge, will also provide support to Mr Evans.
This is not his first Children in Need challenge.
In 2021, he took part in BBC Breakfast’s Drumathon, drumming for 24 hours and raising more than £3.8 million.
How much did Sara Cox raise during last year’s BBC Children in Need challenge?
This year’s cycle challenge follows Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge in 2025, which raised £11.7 million.
Cox said: “I want to wish Owain oodles of love and luck for his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need – it’s a once in a lifetime experience that I know he’ll remember and cherish forever.
“It meant the world to me that millions of our brilliant Radio 2 listeners were supporting me last year and I know they’ll all be rooting for Owain as he pushes up every hill and pedals mile after gruelling mile for BBC Children in Need.”
Other recent challenges include Paddy McGuinness’s 300-mile cycle on a Chopper bike, and Vernon Kay’s ultramarathon from Leicester to Bolton.
Will you be supporting Owain Wyn Evans during his BBC Children in Need challenge this year? Let us know in the comments below.
