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

by Sophie Raworth

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'A cracking read' – Jojo Moyes

'A generous, joyful book. Deeply moving at points, very funny at others. Generally - and genuinely - life-affirming' – The Times Magazine

NOMINATED FOR THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE 2027

From the BBC news to the Marathon des Sables, this is the inspiring story of how one of Britain's best-known broadcasters found her feet through running

At the age of 40, BBC broadcaster Sophie Raworth assumed she was too old to start running. She had done no exercise for decades. But after seeing a friend do 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 to the Sahara Desert for the famous 150-mile Marathon des Sables.

Along the way Sophie discovered great friends, unexpected strength, new confidence, and deep resilience that has helped her deal with some of the toughest challenges at work and in life.

Running on Air will show you that you can do so much more than you ever believed, just by putting one foot in front of the other.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Vikki Broad · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[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.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[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.

[midnight margins books · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book thinking it would be a quick, light read and for the first 2/3rds of the book it was, interesting to me as a sometime runner in her 50s, describing events and races I will likely never take part in. The final part really resonated though, dealing with long term injury, work stresses, family illness etc and it has given me a bit of a kick up the backside to be grateful when I can run alongside friends and family.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie Scully · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[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

[Tamara Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very emotional at times. Our bodies really are amazing and we can do hard things if we put our mind to it.

[Kate Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible…. A true story of emotion & resilience. Inspiring.

[Sarah Wixey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about all the different running events Sophie has completed and it's given me a few ideas.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Georgie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect pre race read. Hugely inspiring, motivating and a must read for any runner 🏃🏽‍♀️

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are there no limits to this woman's talents?
Broadcaster, ultra runner and now very good writer.
Really enjoyed this.

[Charlotte Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

just quite a nice inspiring running related read

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book more, as the races Sophie has completed are truly remarkable and she is rapid! I felt that she held too much back of what makes Sophie - Sophie. The deeper vulnerability was lacking. Maybe in a few years when she feels ready - the expanded updated book will be so worth the read. If you are reading this Sophie - please do consider it. 🫶

[Colin Parfitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katie deHaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. ⭐️

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Martha Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very easy listen on audible. I enjoyed hearing about Sophie’s experiences with her running adventures. However I agree with some of the other reviews which talk about Sophie’s privilege and her slightly snobby attitude. And there was one part at the end when Sophie was talking about her daughters and she said that one of them would be fine because she “had a runners body” and was “slim” etc. Really? Really? Come on Sophie.

Given how much pressure women are under to look a certain way, I found this comment particularly disappointing. We spend so much of our lives being told that our bodies determine our worth, our attractiveness and even our capabilities. To hear that sentiment reinforced in a book about running (especially when Sophie has achieved so much) felt misplaced.

I still recommend it - and I will still support Sophie. I can move past the parts I didn’t like and just enjoy the book for what it is.

[A G Hind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never enjoyed a running book more than this one and I’ve read a few! The lady that comes into our homes giving us the news every night not only is a talented runner but a warm, witty, thoughtful and intelligent human being. Every page radiates her personality with lots of smiles along the way. It’s inspiring to read about her running achievements and adventures - running through the Sahara desert was a particularly tough challenge but she recounts the tales in a way that kept me gripped.

I sincerely hope it’s not her last book. I read her column in Runners World every month and that too is written in the same way as this book - warm, conversational and entertaining.

100% recommended for everyone, not just runners

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[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!

[Seaside Sparkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

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