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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 37 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.
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. ⭐️
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 24, 2026
As a runner myself for the last twenty five years, I can identify so much with Sophie’s story. The joys and disappointments of running are so familiar.
The book made me laugh out loud and sob uncontrollably but is an inspiration to runners of all abilities and highly recommended.
The book made me laugh out loud and sob uncontrollably but is an inspiration to runners of all abilities and highly recommended.
June 8, 2026
Spotted this on the new books table in my local library - so glad I did. I run - all be it slowly and with lots of walking - so this was quite inspirational. My Mum had Parkinson's so could relate to the last chapter too. Very good.
June 10, 2026
Sophie is as friendly in her book as she looks on screen. She narrates this biography about her running, combining it with stories about reading the news, her kids' and family. Feels like anything is possible!
May 3, 2026
Great book , so easy to read as so well written so finished it on less than 24 hours! What an inspiration, many tips and running ideas and coming back from injury I just want to run! Thank you !
May 3, 2026
Yet another inspirational woman 🥰
May 9, 2026
Interesting read, inspiring lady and great if you are passionate about running or even want to start get into running.
May 14, 2026
Wonderful and inspiring. Makes me want to own running on.
The last chapter brought tears to my eyes.
Beautifully written
The last chapter brought tears to my eyes.
Beautifully written
May 28, 2026
An absolute great read into the running life of one of the BBC great journalists
A real great insight to someone who we see most days on tv and how running became such a big part of her life
A real great insight to someone who we see most days on tv and how running became such a big part of her life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews