BBC’s Sophie Raworth Reflects on ‘Mind-Bending’ Break After Marathon Injury Forces Her to Stop Running
BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth has shared the emotional journey she faced after being forced to take an “enforced break” from running due to a serious injury, told Lancs Live. Raworth, a seasoned marathon runner, had to pull out of this year’s London Marathon, just six miles from the finish line, after a stress fracture in her ankle brought her race to an abrupt end. The injury required immediate medical attention and forced her to pause all exercise, with doctors advising complete rest and a period on crutches.
Reflecting on the difficult experience, Sophie said, “I cried the day I was told I had to go on crutches.” The news of her enforced hiatus was hard to accept, as running had long been an essential part of her life. “I don’t need to keep pounding the tarmac, chasing the clock in an attempt to hold back the years,” she explained. “The next time I get injured, I won’t panic. Instead, I’ll give in to the rest, knowing that I will almost certainly come back stronger in the end”, according to the Daily Mail.
On April 21, just after the race, Sophie received an outpouring of support from friends, family, and fans. The journalist shared videos of herself hobbling on crutches and posted a photo of her swollen ankle on Instagram, where she described the overwhelming kindness she received from strangers who helped her. She wrote, “Well, I had a great 20-mile race. It all started so well! I even got to meet the legend that is Jasmin Paris! And then at mile 18 or so, my ankle blew up. Annoying because I was doing ok.”
She continued, “But my attempted 12th @londonmarathon became all about the kindness of strangers and the shoulders I was given to lean on.” Despite the setback, Sophie expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the experience taught her to embrace rest and recovery rather than pushing through.
A dedicated runner, Sophie posted on Instagram just before the marathon that she was preparing for her 21st marathon and 12th London Marathon, albeit with concerns about her “dodgy ankle.” Following her injury, she reflected on the mental challenge of stepping back from her usual routine. “This concept was quite mind-bending to start with. Running has propelled me forward with purpose and increased strength, both physical and mental. Then suddenly, it was all swept away from beneath my feet,” she said in a post shared by Runners World UK.
Raworth now looks forward to returning to her fitness routine with a renewed perspective, embracing the importance of balance and self-care.