BBC newsreader and television presenter Sophie Raworth has candidly shared the harrowing details of her collapse during the London Marathon, describing the experience as "awful." The star, who is preparing to run the event for the 13th time on April 26, recounted the incident on The One Show, revealing how dehydration led to her blacking out near the finish line.
A Terrifying Moment at Mile 24
Raworth explained that during her first marathon attempt in 2011, she aimed to complete the 26.2-mile course in under four hours. However, on a "really hot" day, she failed to drink enough water, leading to severe dehydration. "I got to about mile 24, and I blacked out," she said. "I don't actually remember quite what happened, but I did black out."
She woke up approximately 20 minutes later to find medical personnel placing an oxygen mask on her and pouring ice over her body. Her temperature had soared to 42 degrees Celsius, a dangerous level that required immediate attention. Raworth spent two hours in a medical tent with St John Ambulance, who provided crucial care. "It was awful, actually," she told hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.
Determination to Finish Despite the Setback
Despite the medical emergency, Raworth insisted on completing the marathon, motivated by the charity funds she had raised. "I can't come on a bus back to the finish. I have to finish this thing," she recalled telling the medics. She walked the remaining distance, crossing the finish line in six hours, 22 minutes, and 57 seconds.
This experience taught her a valuable lesson in resilience. "If you fall, if you crash like I did, you can pick yourself up and get back on it again," she said. The following year, she returned to the London Marathon, underwent rigorous training, and successfully achieved her goal of finishing in under four hours.
An Unusual Medical Tent Companion
During her appearance on The One Show, presenter Alex Jones noted that Raworth had shared the medical tent with Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, who also collapsed during his first and only marathon attempt. Raworth was unaware of this coincidence until she saw Wilson discussing it on television, where he humorously remarked, "I saw things no man should ever see."
Raworth admitted it took her years to muster the courage to ask Wilson what he had witnessed. While writing her new book, Running On Air, she finally called him to inquire, but she teased, "I'm not going to tell you here, now!" leaving the details a mystery.
Inspiration and Ongoing Commitment
Sophie Raworth, who didn't take up long-distance running until she was 42, has since become a seasoned marathon runner, using her experiences to inspire others. Her story highlights the importance of proper hydration and preparation in endurance events, as well as the power of perseverance in overcoming challenges.
The One Show airs on BBC One from 7pm on weekdays, featuring interviews and discussions on a wide range of topics, including personal stories like Raworth's marathon ordeal.
