Running for Good – ‘Queen of the Extreme’ Fiona Oakes (vegan), Part 3 of 5

On top of working the equivalent of two full-time jobs at the sanctuary, Fiona has built an elite running career in the last 20 years with the sole purpose of raising public awareness about the benefits of the vegan diet. And did we mention that she did it all on one kneecap? Indeed, it is a constant source of wonder to orthopedic surgeons how Fiona has been able to compete in marathons despite having lost a kneecap to surgery as a teenager. “I can do it on a vegan diet – there is no excuse in terms of it being prohibited to sporting excellence, even though I don’t consider myself particularly as a sportsperson or a runner. I can do it because it comes from the mind, it’s come from the belief, and I think that is what I would like to inspire in people.” One would be hard-pressed to find another super athlete with as much grit as Fiona Oakes and an equal amount of heart to match. These are qualities that have served her well in her advocacy for the animals. Her social media pages are filled with postings from people who were inspired by her to switch to a vegan lifestyle. While Fiona takes a non-confrontational approach in her animal rights activism, she would otherwise stop at nothing to promulgate the vegan ideal. One of her success stories is the Vegan Runners club which she co-founded in 2004. Members of the club proudly run with the words “Vegan Runners” emblazoned across their vests in races. While Fiona is a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, she is a highly sought-after public speaker, appearing regularly at VegFests and special events around the world, as well as on podcasts and national TV shows.