More than 40 runners braved the darkness heavy rain to join BBC presenter Sophie Raworth for a free 5k through Harrogate this morning (Friday, October 23), as part of Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival.
The untimed community event started at the Harrogate war memorial at 6.30am, with participants able to jog, walk or run at their own pace. Everyone received a free book at the finish.
The 5k was part of the town’s Early Bird Run Crew’s regular morning runs, which meet at the war memorial on weekdays at 6am and 6.30am.
Raworth was also the special guest at the Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch yesterday (Thursday, October 22), where she discussed her memoir, Running on Air - a story of broadcasting, resilience, adventure and what keeps us moving forward.
The BBC presenter has spent more than three decades at the heart of major news stories, presenting flagship programmes and interviewing leading figures. Away from the newsroom, she has taken on marathons and ultramarathons, using running as an escape from the pressures of broadcasting.
In her memoir, she reflects on ambition, family, fear, failure and resilience, alongside the experiences that have shaped her life. She was interviewed at the lunch by broadcaster Christine Talbot.
The festival's headline sponsor, Harrogate law firm Raworths, also has a family connection to the broadcaster. Sophie Raworth is the great-granddaughter of Edwin Raworth, the pioneering lawyer who founded the firm in Harrogate.
The festival has also continued its tradition of political debate, having welcomed prominent figures including David Cameron, Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon since its launch in 2012.
This evening (Friday, October 23), Strictly Speaking with John Sergeant takes place at The Crown Hotel at 5pm.
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 24), popular blogger, content creator and marathon enthusiast Alison Stankard, better known online as Totes Inappropes, brings her own irreverent take on the subject.
The festival closes on Sunday (October 25) with Raworths Reading Rave, a free event at The Crown Hotel offering an hour of uninterrupted reading in companionable silence.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “HIF has always had a slightly rebellious streak when it comes to where and how we present great art.
“These events are playful, a little unexpected, and hopefully make people curious enough to try something they might never normally book.”
For more information, visit Harrogate International Festivals.
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1. More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate.
More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate. | GB
2. More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate.
More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate. | Submitted
3. More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate.
More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate. | GB
4. More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate.
More than 40 runners joined BBC journalist Sophie Raworth for a rainy 5k through Harrogate. | Submitted