FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18Aug2025 – The Vegan Running Club (VRC) is proud to announce donations totaling £300 to three vital vegan and animal welfare causes: CARAT (Caring for the Animals Trust), Littlest Wildlife Hotel, and SPECIESISM. Each organization received £100, fulfilling a key resolution passed at the club's first Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.
This significant step reinforces the Vegan Running Club's core constitutional principle: to avoid hoarding financial reserves and instead, consistently redirect surplus funds to support impactful animal rights initiatives.
"Our club was founded on the principle of not just promoting plant-powered running, but also actively contributing to animal welfare," stated Mike Harper, the VRC's Chairperson. "This first major distribution of funds, decided by our members at the AGM, demonstrates our commitment to that core mission. We are immensely proud to support CARAT, Littlest Wildlife Hotel, and SPECIESISM in their crucial work".
The beneficiaries of this distribution are:
CARAT (Caring for the Animals Trust): A small, UK-registered society dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Greece, operating with no overheads or salaries, ensuring all collected funds directly assist suffering animals.
Littlest Wildlife Hotel: A registered charity focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing over 1,000 injured or orphaned hedgehogs in the last six years. This support is particularly crucial as hedgehogs have recently been elevated to "near threatened" status on the IUCN Red List.
SPECIESISM: An organization committed to challenging speciesism and advocating for the ethical consideration of all sentient beings.
Kevin Doherty, the club’s Activism Coordinator, added, "Seeing our surplus funds go directly to these impactful vegan causes is incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to the generosity of our members and the strength of our club's 'For The Animals' ethos. Every run, every membership, every piece of kit contributes to making a real difference for the voiceless. These donations are in addition to the six thousands of pounds the club has raised through our Activism Programme over the first year of our existence thanks to the generosity and support of members and their families and friends."
The Vegan Running Club, which silently recorded its first membership on March 1st, 2024, and publicly launched on March 20th, 2024, has rapidly grown into a thriving international community of nearly 200 members. The club consistently channels its passion for running into meaningful change, supporting animal charities while achieving remarkable race results and promoting veganism worldwide.
About Vegan Running Club: The Vegan Running Club (VRC) is an international community uniting passionate runners with a commitment to a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Founded in March 2024, the VRC aims to promote veganism within the running community and the general population, actively supporting animal charities through fundraising and advocacy, all while encouraging its members to achieve their running goals.
Contact: contact@veganrunning.club www.veganrunning.club
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Club Secretary
Email: contact@veganrunning.club
Phone: 07484660751
Website/Social Media: www.veganrunnin.club
Vegan Running Club Celebrates One Year of Running for Animals
The Vegan Running Club (VRC) is proud to celebrate its first anniversary, marking a year of incredible growth, community building, and unwavering dedication to animal rights. What began as a small group of passionate runners has evolved into a global movement, uniting individuals who believe that fitness and compassion go hand in hand.
“One year ago, we set out with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a running club where animal welfare was at the forefront,” says Mike Harper, VRC Chairperson. “We wanted to promote veganism, spark meaningful conversations, and raise vital funds for animal causes. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Key Achievements in Year One:
Growing Membership: The VRC has grown to 191 paid members, with representation from around the world, showcasing the global appeal of its mission.
Fundraising Success: Through the dedication of members like Kevin Doherty, the club has raised thousands of pounds for animal sanctuaries, ensuring direct support for animals in need.
Distinctive Club Kit: With creative contributions from members and support from V-Label GmbH, the VRC launched a vibrant and recognizable range of running gear, turning every race into a statement for animal rights.
Efficient Operations: Several talented members have provided invaluable support in managing the club’s finances and administration, ensuring smooth and sustainable operations.
Dedicated Participation: Members, including Chairperson Mike Harper, have consistently participated in events like parkruns, proudly representing the VRC and its cause, even amidst personal challenges.
Expanding Support Team: The VRC welcomes three new members to its support team, further strengthening its capacity to drive change.
“We believe in the power of visibility,” Harper adds. “By wearing our club kit and engaging with others, we’re spreading awareness about veganism and the importance of animal rights. Just as the vegan movement has grown exponentially in recent years, we envision the VRC continuing to expand its reach and impact.”
The VRC operates on the principle that all financial surpluses are donated to animal causes. With a yearly membership fee of just £5—the equivalent of a single premium coffee—the club offers an accessible way for individuals to support animal welfare while staying active.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member who has represented the animals this past year,” Harper concludes. “Together, let’s continue to be a voice for the voiceless and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of animals.”
Join the Movement
The Vegan Running Club invites runners of all levels to join its mission. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, your steps can make a difference. Visit www.veganrunnung.club to learn more and become part of a community that runs for a cause.
About Vegan Running Club:
The Vegan Running Club is a global community of runners dedicated to promoting veganism and raising funds for animal charities. Through compassion, fitness, and community, the VRC strives to make a difference for animals with every step.
The UK vegan population has soared to 2.5 million according to a recent survey, with growing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet as well as concern for animal rights.
With around 20% describing themselves as regular runners, they estimate there are upwards of half a million vegan runners in the UK.
The Vegan Running Club caters to this growing demographic, offering a welcoming space for vegans of all motivations and runners of all abilities to connect, share experiences, and participate in a movement promoting veganism within the running community.
“Our club may be unique in appointing an Animal Rights Initiatives Coordinator as part of its support team.” announced Mike Harper, the club's Chairperson. “In addition the club shall distribute our surplus funds to animal rights causes” he added.
With a stylish new white and green club vest, the new club recognises that it’s strength is its members, and looks to fosters a supportive environment for:
Exchanging ideas and experiences: Members can connect, share training tips, ideas on vegan activism initiatives and discuss nutrition strategies.
Networking and run meetups: The club facilitates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals for organised runs and events.
Outreach, activism, and fundraising: The club will provide a platform for members to contribute to animal rights causes through various initiatives.
Global collaboration: The club welcomes members worldwide to connect, share training plans, and collaborate virtually.
Building a kinder world: Members are encouraged to share stories, race results, and photos, fostering a sense of community and purpose, aligned with Vegan FTA's mission.
Readers can visit the club’s website at veganrunning.club to learn more about joining the Vegan Running Club and becoming part of this exciting movement!
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