Running on Air: From BBC Headlines to Life-Changing Finish Lines THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

by Sophie Raworth

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.

Genres: Audiobook, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Clare Nestor · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sophie Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book on the new kindle and absolutely raced through it! gorgeous writing that makes me want to lace up my trainers

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light / background listening - 2 felt too harsh but I wasn’t super engaged at any point

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Anne North · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 !

[Emma Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another inspirational woman 🥰

[Julia Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read, inspiring lady and great if you are passionate about running or even want to start get into running.