At VegClub we unite to celebrate plant-based athletes who not only compete but also emerge victorious in the sporting world. 

Some of our carnivorous friends are often surprised to discover that not only can you thrive on a plant-based diet, but you can excel at sports, even to the extent of becoming a world champion.

At some stage, many vegans have encountered the recurring question—“but where do you get your protein from?” This query has long been a cause of both amusement and frustration within the vegan community. The misconception that plant-based diets lack ample protein is widespread yet baseless. Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that a well-rounded vegan diet can provide all the essential nutrients, including protein, for both the typical individual’s diet and high-performance athletes. 
 

The compatibility of veganism with high-level athleticism is clearly demonstrated in the success stories of vegan athletes who excel in their respective sports. From endurance runners such as Scott Jurek to weightlifters like Kendrick Farris, these individuals exemplify the capacity to not only survive but also thrive on a plant-based diet.
 

Vegan Runners UK

Vegan Runners

With the high of the London Marathon still fresh in every runner’s mind, it seems fitting to delve into the world of running and explore how the ‘Vegan Runners’ emerged as a formidable presence in the sport.

A brief examination of the London Marathon 2024 app reveals that there were 24 runners from ‘Vegan Runners UK’, with Jasper McDowell leading the pack with an impressive time of 2:23.11. Considering the total count of 53,000 runners this year, it’s reasonable to assume that there were likely hundreds more runners adhering to a plant-based diet who joined McDowell in successfully crossing the finish line. 

In recent years, people have become increasingly familiar with the distinctive black and green vest of the ‘Vegan Runners UK’. With over 4000 members, they serve as an important beacon of inspiration for individuals on the brink of adopting a vegan lifestyle. However, one may wonder—are any of them reaching the top of the podium? 

As of now, there are no vegans atop the marathon podiums, with Kenya dominating the highest positions. Traditionally, the Kenyan diet is stereotyped as being high in meat, although reports suggest that meat is consumed less frequently than commonly believed. 
 

Notable vegan athletes 
 

However, it’s in the realm of ultra-running where vegans have achieved significant success. Notable athletes in this field include:
 

Scott Jurek: Seven-time winner of the Western States Endurance Run, two-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon, Male Ultrarunner of the Year four times, among numerous other achievements.

Fiona Oakes: Holds the record for the fastest female to run a marathon on each continent and the North Pole and is a four-time Guinness World Record holder.

Rich Roll: Winner of the Ironman UltraMarathon in 2008 and 2009, also renowned as a vegan podcaster.

Harvey Lewis: Two-time winner of the BigDog’s Backyard Ultra, two-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon, and boasts numerous other accomplishments.
 

Why do vegans excel in long-distance running?

Whilst we could certainly compile an even more extensive list of ultra athletes, let’s delve into the reasons behind their success. Why do vegans consistently perform exceptionally well in endurance sports?

There could be several factors at play, but the prevailing theories suggest that a vegan diet can facilitate rapid recovery and reduced inflammation of the muscles—two crucial elements for ultra runners who endure prolonged periods of movement.

Read more Plant-based podiums: Vegan success stories at the Paris Olympics

Speedy recovery: Plant-based diets are rich in carbohydrates, ideal for replenishing energy after lengthy runs. Additionally, the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in plants act as superheroes for your muscles, aiding in faster repair and recovery, whilst also combating oxidative stress.
 

Reduced inflammation: By eliminating saturated fats and inflammatory components inherent in animal products, you afford your body respite and foster improved recovery and overall health. This is particularly significant following rigorous training sessions where you’ve pushed your limits.
 

Want to improve your diet?

It is important to acknowledge that while we witness success stories like Scott Jurek’s, transitioning to a vegan diet won’t automatically guarantee victory at events like the Western States. Every diet can be followed with varying degrees of success, and just like any other diet, a vegan diet can be unhealthy if not properly balanced.
 

To conclude, we’d like to offer some guidance for our readers who aspire to care for the planet and the animals while pursuing sports!  While you may notice a combination of vegetarian and vegan diets in this guidance, seeing such information on the ‘World Athletics’ website marks a positive step forward in a world that still predominantly focuses on carnivorous diets. We hope this guidance proves valuable to you, and together, perhaps we can gradually shift this carnivore-centric focus, one gold medal at a time.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out our interview with Lisa Gawthorne: The vegan duathlete who transformed her life and conquered the world. Perhaps take a look at prepare, cook, store, serve and save food: Make your kitchen delicious with Hokan. Or explore the importance and benefits of a digital detox and how veganism plays into it.