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Running on Air: From BBC Headlines to Life-Changing Finish Lines THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
From the BBC news to the Marathon des Sables, this is an inspiring journey into running from one of the UK's best-known broadcasters.
The marathon bug had bitten. I discovered I loved the training, the discipline and the structure that it brought to my life as well as the realisation that despite being in my early 40s, I was getting faster. My confidence grew too. At a time when I felt unsure of my footing at work, running was starting to make me feel steadier on my feet and in my mind. Could I go faster?
After seeing a friend run the London Marathon, Sophie decided to give it a go. Collapsing two miles from the finish line, her first attempt was a disaster, but she picked herself up and kept going on a path that would take her to races all over the world across the Alps and even the Sahara Desert for the famous 150-mile Marathon des Sables.
Sophie has now run all six World Marathon Majors, completed 15 marathons and three ultra-marathons, and run the entire length of the Thames Path, from source to sea. Along the way, she discovered new inner confidence, strength, community and the power of friendships which helped her through some tough challenges from losing loved ones and fighting injuries to interviewing the Prime Minister.
Running on Air will show you that you can do more than you ever believed just by putting one foot in front of the running can give you a purpose, a goal, but most of all, a breath of fresh air.
The marathon bug had bitten. I discovered I loved the training, the discipline and the structure that it brought to my life as well as the realisation that despite being in my early 40s, I was getting faster. My confidence grew too. At a time when I felt unsure of my footing at work, running was starting to make me feel steadier on my feet and in my mind. Could I go faster?
After seeing a friend run the London Marathon, Sophie decided to give it a go. Collapsing two miles from the finish line, her first attempt was a disaster, but she picked herself up and kept going on a path that would take her to races all over the world across the Alps and even the Sahara Desert for the famous 150-mile Marathon des Sables.
Sophie has now run all six World Marathon Majors, completed 15 marathons and three ultra-marathons, and run the entire length of the Thames Path, from source to sea. Along the way, she discovered new inner confidence, strength, community and the power of friendships which helped her through some tough challenges from losing loved ones and fighting injuries to interviewing the Prime Minister.
Running on Air will show you that you can do more than you ever believed just by putting one foot in front of the running can give you a purpose, a goal, but most of all, a breath of fresh air.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 2, 2026
Warning, this book will make you want to run straight away.
I enjoyed this book as it was about Sophie’s running journey - the positives / the negatives and overall what running has done for her throughout stages of her life.
I enjoyed this book as it was about Sophie’s running journey - the positives / the negatives and overall what running has done for her throughout stages of her life.
July 1, 2026
Loved! Recommended by a few people recently after some recent running races. Wonderful for runners, run- curious, non-runners, and anyone in between. Cannot wait to recommend it myself now!
July 31, 2026
I really like Sophie, she's clearly a very nice person. She's someone I've been watching since I was young and I really admire her in a lot of ways.
This book was a very easy listen, however she does also come across as a little blind to her various privileges; she lives near the Thames in leafy Richmond and can gallop along the riverbank as she pleases, not everyone has this, casually dropping the £4200 entry fee for the silly desert race, her horror at being a pleb runner in one marathon and having to use the "revolting" public port a loos. She does come across as a little blind to how lucky she has been/is in a lot of ways.
The vibe in this book is "anyone can do it, so why don't you?", I'm sorry but that isn't true, but I am glad she's found running which is clearly her jam. She needed something to fill a gap and it is obvious how much running has helped her with various challenges in her life.
The best and most interesting parts of this book for me, we the non running parts, and the sections about her Dad's battle with Parkinson's was genuinely moving.
This book was a very easy listen, however she does also come across as a little blind to her various privileges; she lives near the Thames in leafy Richmond and can gallop along the riverbank as she pleases, not everyone has this, casually dropping the £4200 entry fee for the silly desert race, her horror at being a pleb runner in one marathon and having to use the "revolting" public port a loos. She does come across as a little blind to how lucky she has been/is in a lot of ways.
The vibe in this book is "anyone can do it, so why don't you?", I'm sorry but that isn't true, but I am glad she's found running which is clearly her jam. She needed something to fill a gap and it is obvious how much running has helped her with various challenges in her life.
The best and most interesting parts of this book for me, we the non running parts, and the sections about her Dad's battle with Parkinson's was genuinely moving.
May 4, 2026
After reading and enjoying Susie Chens book where she mentions running with Sophie, I knew I needed to read Sophies book too.
I loved reading about Sophie starting running in her 40s, how it strengthens her and how she tackled the longer runs.
The book is written really well, interspersing her work with the tales of her running. It was interesting to hear from her perspective and how Susie helped spur her on.
A really readable memoir on running and one I would recommend.
I loved reading about Sophie starting running in her 40s, how it strengthens her and how she tackled the longer runs.
The book is written really well, interspersing her work with the tales of her running. It was interesting to hear from her perspective and how Susie helped spur her on.
A really readable memoir on running and one I would recommend.
May 4, 2026
I read this book because Sophie Raworth came to our local literary festival and I went to see her and bought the book. At the festival she said it was a memoir and that she hadn’t wanted to write a book which was about one race after another. Unfortunately, therefore, I think she failed in that objective! It really is all about running and the interesting races/events she’s notched up. Although she did intertwine the running with some (few) real life events it doesn’t come close to being a memoir. (She admitted she was reluctant to reveal too much of herself) It is an ok read but she is fairly obsessive about running and I think it’s hard to make that interesting for 250 pages, although she really tries. It does also have that tone of the ‘converted non smoker’ - slightly morally superior and a bit preachy towards those that haven’t yet embraced running.
June 2, 2026
★★★★★
What an absolutely excellent read.
As a former runner and marathon runner myself, this story felt especially close to my heart and was one I connected with from the very first page.
I found it incredibly inspiring to read about Sophie’s journey, particularly knowing that she only started running at the age of 40. Her determination, resilience and belief in herself are truly remarkable.
This is far more than a book about running. It is a story about courage, perseverance and proving that it is never too late to challenge yourself and achieve something extraordinary.
An uplifting, motivating and powerful memoir that left me feeling inspired long after I turned the final page.
A well deserved 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an absolutely excellent read.
As a former runner and marathon runner myself, this story felt especially close to my heart and was one I connected with from the very first page.
I found it incredibly inspiring to read about Sophie’s journey, particularly knowing that she only started running at the age of 40. Her determination, resilience and belief in herself are truly remarkable.
This is far more than a book about running. It is a story about courage, perseverance and proving that it is never too late to challenge yourself and achieve something extraordinary.
An uplifting, motivating and powerful memoir that left me feeling inspired long after I turned the final page.
A well deserved 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 30, 2026
I loved this book so much, it’s such a joyful read as Sophie discovers running in her forties and realises she’s actually very good it. Have interviewed both Sophie and Susie Chan on our podcast so was nice to read a bit more in depth about some of the races they have done together, especially the Marathon des Sables. Some very sad moments too, a very human story which will inspire you to run.
May 26, 2026
This book was exactly what I needed. A must read for anyone who has questioned whether they can go further and set tough exercise and movement goals. Beautifully narrated and very real. I was moved by both her resilience and the sadness woven throughout. Wonderful
April 29, 2026
first book on the new kindle and absolutely raced through it! gorgeous writing that makes me want to lace up my trainers
May 18, 2026
Incredible…. A true story of emotion & resilience. Inspiring.
May 18, 2026
Enjoyed reading about all the different running events Sophie has completed and it's given me a few ideas.
May 2, 2026
Light / background listening - 2 felt too harsh but I wasn’t super engaged at any point
May 29, 2026
Are there no limits to this woman's talents?
Broadcaster, ultra runner and now very good writer.
Really enjoyed this.
Broadcaster, ultra runner and now very good writer.
Really enjoyed this.
May 13, 2026
The happiness of the long-distance runner?!
First thoughts on reading: What a relief after the horrors of Gisèle Pelicot’s eminently readable Hymn to Life. But weird reading a book about running when I can’t even walk without aids myself. Oh my goodness Sophie Raworth is wasted on tv! She should be WRITING! Really entertaining writer. Weird lifestyle hobby. Stark raving bonkers they are. I have zero interest in sport and least of all running. I sigh in exasperation when I see breathless runners coming towards me as I fly by on my trike.
But I’m enjoying Sophie’s Running on Air. Still reeling from how I can enjoy a book so much on a topic I dislike so much? I make faces when I see a runner on the cycle path. But this book did me so much good and will be up there top of the list best of the bunch this year. Only fly in the ointment was making me homesick for London, even the frayed ends of it, but I can live with that. Not that I’d ever dream of doing a parkrun but still. Funny how I’m enjoying Sophie’s story, as I recall my dismay when I heard she enjoyed running.
One of the most enjoyable, life-affirming books I’ve read! I’m still reeling from the idea I could even pick up let alone enjoy a book about running! Not sure I’d try running if I had my time over but still a fascinating read. Why did I pick it up? Intrigued by Sophie’s own excitement at seeing her book in print. Oh and I repeat: she’s wasted on tv - please spend more time writing Sophie!
Glad I still have 25% to go because I’ll be sorry to put it down. Her writing has a natural flow and her words paint a marvellous picture taking you through her life. Towards the end, I’m still cheering her on - and naturally she wants her years of training to stand her in good stead as she grows older but I found the need to break still more records as she ages rather a pity. But still a memorable and inspiring read and one I was amazed to enjoy. Thoroughly recommended.
Oh my goodness: She’s WASTED on television! Never mind the 6&the10! Sophie should be out there running&writing all day - not stuck in a studio, telling us stuff we’d really rather not hear! Poignant end to a beautiful book.
Lovely ‘meeting’ everyone along the way, with a special welcome for Kate Raworth, much appreciated in our part of the world & better-known as well. Made me a bit homesick for London & the river but an enjoyable & very memorable book!
And that’s from someone who loathes running! Still reeling from the idea I even read this let alone enjoyed it so much!
First thoughts on reading: What a relief after the horrors of Gisèle Pelicot’s eminently readable Hymn to Life. But weird reading a book about running when I can’t even walk without aids myself. Oh my goodness Sophie Raworth is wasted on tv! She should be WRITING! Really entertaining writer. Weird lifestyle hobby. Stark raving bonkers they are. I have zero interest in sport and least of all running. I sigh in exasperation when I see breathless runners coming towards me as I fly by on my trike.
But I’m enjoying Sophie’s Running on Air. Still reeling from how I can enjoy a book so much on a topic I dislike so much? I make faces when I see a runner on the cycle path. But this book did me so much good and will be up there top of the list best of the bunch this year. Only fly in the ointment was making me homesick for London, even the frayed ends of it, but I can live with that. Not that I’d ever dream of doing a parkrun but still. Funny how I’m enjoying Sophie’s story, as I recall my dismay when I heard she enjoyed running.
One of the most enjoyable, life-affirming books I’ve read! I’m still reeling from the idea I could even pick up let alone enjoy a book about running! Not sure I’d try running if I had my time over but still a fascinating read. Why did I pick it up? Intrigued by Sophie’s own excitement at seeing her book in print. Oh and I repeat: she’s wasted on tv - please spend more time writing Sophie!
Glad I still have 25% to go because I’ll be sorry to put it down. Her writing has a natural flow and her words paint a marvellous picture taking you through her life. Towards the end, I’m still cheering her on - and naturally she wants her years of training to stand her in good stead as she grows older but I found the need to break still more records as she ages rather a pity. But still a memorable and inspiring read and one I was amazed to enjoy. Thoroughly recommended.
Oh my goodness: She’s WASTED on television! Never mind the 6&the10! Sophie should be out there running&writing all day - not stuck in a studio, telling us stuff we’d really rather not hear! Poignant end to a beautiful book.
Lovely ‘meeting’ everyone along the way, with a special welcome for Kate Raworth, much appreciated in our part of the world & better-known as well. Made me a bit homesick for London & the river but an enjoyable & very memorable book!
And that’s from someone who loathes running! Still reeling from the idea I even read this let alone enjoyed it so much!
June 25, 2026
Disclaimer. I’m a runner. I clock up about 800 miles a year, I run when I’m happy, I run when I’m sad, I run in the sun, the rain, the wind and occasionally even in the snow. I’ve ran the Great North Run three times (my toenails will never be the same) and I’ve still got the scars from falling over numerous times while running. Yet I can’t imagine my life without chucking on my trainers, running out the front door into fresh air & leaving all my stress behind.
And I also LOVE books about running.
Sophie Raworth is best known for being a senior BBC newsreader; the professional face presenting the news. But you may not have known that she has a little side hustle going on. As well as her day time job, Sophie, like me, is a runner. But very much unlike me, she’s a pro. 🙌
In this book she recounts her first attempts at running age 40. Let’s say it wasn’t easy. But somehow, two years later, she’s running the London Marathon. Collapsing two miles from the finish wasn’t part of the plan though. But lessons are learned and Sophie comes back stronger than ever, proving that women in their midlife have got this! Yes there’s a lot of talk about running in this book. But it’s way, way more than that. It’s a story of determination and endurance and inspiration.
I was captivated by this book, from start to finish. The writing style is warm and friendly and I could really feel Sophie’s voice coming from the pages. I loved hearing about the intense and arduous slogs through the most difficult running terrains (think v high mountains and v hot deserts), I was enchanted by the descriptions of the places Sophie’s runs take her to (from Boston to Berlin to the Thames Path), and I was fascinated by the snippets of her non-running world. I think I could have gone on reading about her forever!
Running on Air is an outstanding memoir about the power of connection - with family and friends and the outdoors, and the enormous adventure of life.
My favourite book of the month, undoubtedly. ⭐️
And I also LOVE books about running.
Sophie Raworth is best known for being a senior BBC newsreader; the professional face presenting the news. But you may not have known that she has a little side hustle going on. As well as her day time job, Sophie, like me, is a runner. But very much unlike me, she’s a pro. 🙌
In this book she recounts her first attempts at running age 40. Let’s say it wasn’t easy. But somehow, two years later, she’s running the London Marathon. Collapsing two miles from the finish wasn’t part of the plan though. But lessons are learned and Sophie comes back stronger than ever, proving that women in their midlife have got this! Yes there’s a lot of talk about running in this book. But it’s way, way more than that. It’s a story of determination and endurance and inspiration.
I was captivated by this book, from start to finish. The writing style is warm and friendly and I could really feel Sophie’s voice coming from the pages. I loved hearing about the intense and arduous slogs through the most difficult running terrains (think v high mountains and v hot deserts), I was enchanted by the descriptions of the places Sophie’s runs take her to (from Boston to Berlin to the Thames Path), and I was fascinated by the snippets of her non-running world. I think I could have gone on reading about her forever!
Running on Air is an outstanding memoir about the power of connection - with family and friends and the outdoors, and the enormous adventure of life.
My favourite book of the month, undoubtedly. ⭐️
July 14, 2026
As a runner, this book spoke to me on so many levels. And as an older runner, it resonated even more.
I was lucky enough to meet Sophie Raworth at the Hay Festival this year, where we had a quick chat about running while she signed my copy. She was just as warm and inspiring in person as she comes across in these pages.
Running on Air is far more than a book about running. It’s an honest, emotional and incredibly inspiring story about determination, resilience, setbacks and the joy that comes from simply putting one foot in front of the other.
There were moments that genuinely made me cry, particularly the chapters about managing injury and the lovely Winnie! Anyone who has had their running taken away through injury will recognise the frustration, self-doubt and longing to get back out there. Sophie captures those emotions beautifully.
What struck me most was the depth of her commitment, not just to running, but to continually challenging herself while balancing family, work and everything else life throws at her. It’s a reminder that running isn’t always about chasing personal bests; sometimes it’s about perseverance, purpose and refusing to give up.
I closed this book feeling motivated, grateful and eager to lace up my trainers. It reminded me that getting older doesn’t mean the end of ambitious goals, it simply means approaching them with a little more patience and appreciation.
If you run, you’ll almost certainly see parts of yourself in this book. And if you don’t, you’ll still come away inspired by a remarkable story of resilience and determination.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was lucky enough to meet Sophie Raworth at the Hay Festival this year, where we had a quick chat about running while she signed my copy. She was just as warm and inspiring in person as she comes across in these pages.
Running on Air is far more than a book about running. It’s an honest, emotional and incredibly inspiring story about determination, resilience, setbacks and the joy that comes from simply putting one foot in front of the other.
There were moments that genuinely made me cry, particularly the chapters about managing injury and the lovely Winnie! Anyone who has had their running taken away through injury will recognise the frustration, self-doubt and longing to get back out there. Sophie captures those emotions beautifully.
What struck me most was the depth of her commitment, not just to running, but to continually challenging herself while balancing family, work and everything else life throws at her. It’s a reminder that running isn’t always about chasing personal bests; sometimes it’s about perseverance, purpose and refusing to give up.
I closed this book feeling motivated, grateful and eager to lace up my trainers. It reminded me that getting older doesn’t mean the end of ambitious goals, it simply means approaching them with a little more patience and appreciation.
If you run, you’ll almost certainly see parts of yourself in this book. And if you don’t, you’ll still come away inspired by a remarkable story of resilience and determination.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 29, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but it was exactly what I wanted. It was so inspiring. I could relate to so much of it as a runner myself. It's full of great stories and has the odd sad part too. The title sums it up so perfectly. Running on Air, absolutely, both in the TV sense and the running sense. Tremendous. It has inspired me to keep at it with my running goals. A wonderful read. I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than a week. Very highly recommended!
June 9, 2026
My wife and I went to see Sophie giving a talk about this book at the Cambridge Literary Festival and we were lucky enough to meet her briefly afterwards (she's as lovely in person as you'd imagine). It's quite funny to read criticism on here that this book is too much about running (that's literally the point of the book). It's written with a real warmth and honesty and having been through a similar heat stroke issue as hers described in the opening chapter, this was a book I could really connect with. A very enjoyable read.
July 23, 2026
As a fellow runner I was always going to enjoy this book. Reading about the many major marathons and ultra marathons that Sophie has undertaken is inspirational. There is an honesty to the storytelling that gives a fascinating, and relatable, insight to both the highs and lows of the running challenges. The unexpected part of the book, which I think broadens its appeal, are the stories covering Sophie's career milestones and the positive part running has played in helping her to navigate work and life.
May 7, 2026
Running on Air is a beautifully written and uplifting book about overcoming challenges and discovering what you’re capable of. Although running is central to the story, the real heart of the book is about determination, personal growth and pushing beyond self-doubt.
Sophie shares her experiences in a way that is honest and engaging, with a message that feels relatable and encouraging. It’s an inspiring reminder that big achievements often begin with one small decision to start!
Sophie shares her experiences in a way that is honest and engaging, with a message that feels relatable and encouraging. It’s an inspiring reminder that big achievements often begin with one small decision to start!
May 20, 2026
I loved this book and have already recommended it to several friends. It’s very cleverly written with themes rather than chronological order and blends a love of running with personal stories and current affairs. Really enjoyed the descriptions of some of her races and found myself doing a quick internet search when listening to the chapter on MdS as I needed to know she finished it safely. One of my favourite reads this year.
May 23, 2026
Just listened to this exceptional book on audible. For all my running friends you will be inspired! I am definitely not a runner but this book is for everyone- it’s inspirational,shows determination,resilience, confidence and great strength and shows that whatever path you choose be it running/ spinning/ walking/ writing/ acting etc just taking that first step can lead in directions you never dreamed of reaching
Beautifully read and emotional too. thank you for sharing your story.
Beautifully read and emotional too. thank you for sharing your story.
July 19, 2026
The positives are this was a well written and easy to read book about running and the authors experience of taking up running and then races she had run. The downside is that the 1st 2/3 of the book is almost a diary or travelogue of the races she has run. In the last 1/3 this gets interspersed a lot more with how running fitted into her life and for me as a reader this made the book much more interesting.
July 25, 2026
Being a long term runner myself, I enjoyed this book as a great reminder of the amazing experiences that running can bring . Although it can be incredibly tough at the time, Sophie gets across the great sense of achievement running brings . It’s an inspiration for anyone who wants to run or continue to run, especially for us older runners, or those who start later in life . Well written and very relatable
July 31, 2026
I listened to Running on Air on Audible. As expected it was brilliantly narrated by Sophie. Complimented at the end with an interview.
I have enjoyed watching Sophie presenting the news and had seen social media posts through COVID of Sophie running through London. It was fantastic to hear more about her achievements in the book. I always have the utmost respect for anyone that has completed MDS. Loved the book and wish Sophie every success in the future.
I have enjoyed watching Sophie presenting the news and had seen social media posts through COVID of Sophie running through London. It was fantastic to hear more about her achievements in the book. I always have the utmost respect for anyone that has completed MDS. Loved the book and wish Sophie every success in the future.
June 9, 2026
Brilliant. Inspirational, moving, engaging and as a wannabe marathon female runner in her 50s I will be using Sophie’s mantra to get me through my training.
“Your body is capable of far more than your mind thinks it is.”
I will be re reading this a few times between now and the big day! Thank you Sophie.
“Your body is capable of far more than your mind thinks it is.”
I will be re reading this a few times between now and the big day! Thank you Sophie.
July 6, 2026
Loved reading about Sophie’s journey she is an honest writer and it also tied up some loose ends from reading her good friends Susie Chens book first, both women are awesome and inspiring. I really enjoyed this book thoroughly recommend to anyone who is thinking about a marathon like me as even the best struggle at times but win overall 👏🩷
May 14, 2026
I adored this book and couldn’t put it down! I started running in my 50’s and I’ve been so inspired to by Sophie’s courage, optimism and sense of adventure. I’ve run many half marathons and now want to run marathons and ultras!
May 14, 2026
Great read. Such resilience and belief. Took me back to the camaraderie and highs after the 5ks,10ks and half marathons I did! Also the enjoyment of all the training.Tempted to buy a new pair of running shoes!
May 19, 2026
An easy read- enjoyable as I could relate, being a late starter to running marathons .. nice to be taken back to the atmosphere of the London marathon with evocative writing. Interesting to read about other long distance challenges out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews