By Salma El-Sakka
BBC Breakfast presenter Roger Johnson has withdrawn from the 2026 Children in Need charity run after a recurring foot injury prevented him from completing the 26.2-mile challenge.
Injury forces withdrawal
Johnson, 57, who hosts BBC North West Tonight and appears on BBC Breakfast at weekends, said a long-standing foot problem flared up four weeks ago. Despite treatment including icing, medication and an X-ray, he was unable to start the first miles with members of Lostock Athletics Club in Blackrod, Manchester, and could only watch as they jogged away.
Colleagues step in
By the end of October, Johnson was still hobbling and decided to end his participation. His team at BBC North West Tonight then banded together, with more than 30 employees running a combined 160 miles on his behalf, far exceeding his original target.
Upcoming broadcast
Johnson shared the story on social media, calling it "not my finest hour" but highlighting the spirit of Children in Need. A film about his running journey will air on BBC North West at 6.30pm on 5 November, and the main Children in Need 2026 appeal will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm on Friday 13 November.
