What is a vegan?
Our Approach to Veganism
At Vegan Runners UK, we recognise that definitions of veganism can vary. We adopt the definition provided by The Vegan Society, which describes veganism as:
“A way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”
We support this definition and encourage our members to interpret it in a way that aligns with their personal values. However, we ask that members respect each other’s journeys and avoid passing judgment on the vegan credentials of fellow club members. If you have a genuine concern, please contact your regional representative or the Club Secretary directly.
Membership and Participation
Vegan Runners UK is a club for vegans. While we may occasionally welcome non-members to specific events, training sessions and club kit purchases are exclusively available to registered Vegan Runners UK members.
If you’re considering joining, we offer the opportunity to attend a trial training session. To arrange this, please visit the In Your Area page on our website and connect with your local representative.
Support for New and Transitioning Vegans
If you follow a plant-based diet or are in the process of transitioning to veganism, we invite you to join our #Facebook group. There, you’ll find a supportive community ready to help you on your journey toward a cruelty-free lifestyle.
How should I choose the right vegan running shoe?
Most running shoes are made with vegan materials but some manufacturers use glues that are of animal origin.
Vegan8 contacted most of the major brands to enquire about their use of animal products. Find their latest survey here.
PETA has produced a less comprehensive but more current guide for men’s and ladies’ running shoes.
Establishing the vegan credentials of the product is only half of the story though. Depending on your physical makeup and personal preferences, you may prefer a minimal shoe that reflects the natural shape of your foot or a cushioned shoe. Depending on the shape of your foot and your running action, you may be better suited to a wide or narrow toe box and you may require some support for your arches.
If you aren’t sure, we would recommend visiting a running shop that can offer gait analysis. They will look at your running action on a treadmill and help you to choose a shoe with the appropriate level of support.
Can I get sufficient protein from a vegan diet?
All protein in all food types originated from a plant. As vegans, we prefer to consume them from the source without processing them through the body of another animal.
The Vegan Society and Nutrition Facts provide a useful overview of plant-based nutrition. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the Vegetarian Resource Group provides more comprehensive studies.
Veg Kitchen provides one of the many charts which set out some of the best sources of plant-based protein.
Many sources including this BBC article suggest that most people actually consume much more than the recommended amount of protein and that this excess may actually be damaging to health.
For more on nutrition, please read our Nutrition FAQs page.
What should I eat before and after I exercise?
No Meat Athlete and PETA provide suggested pre-workout meal ideas.
For recovery meals, we have suggestions from One Green Planet.
For more on nutrition, please read our Nutrition FAQs page.
Which health charities conduct or fund animal research?
Follow the link below for a list of health charities and whether they conduct or fund animal research. The list is not definitive, as policies change. Please contact Animal Aid using the contact form at the base of the page if you have received a reply from a charity about their animal testing policy so that the list is kept up to date. You can also order a wallet-sized list from Animal Aid.
https://www.animalaid.org.uk/the-issues/our-campaigns/animal-experiments/health-charities-list/