Vegan athletes are changing the game, and Damian Hall is a perfect example. At 49, this plant-powered ultra-runner recently completed the Montane Lakeland 100, one of the toughest races in the UK.
Covering 105 miles with over 6,500 meters of climbing, Damian finished in 19 hours, 33 minutes, and 33 seconds, more than half an hour ahead of the runner in second place.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the Lakeland 100 is notorious for its difficulty. Around 40-50% of participants don’t even finish. Damian’s victory shows that endurance, preparation, and nutrition play a huge role in pushing human limits.
Damian credits his success to consistent training and a sustainable, plant-based lifestyle. He believes that eating vegan foods has helped him recover faster, stay strong, and maintain high energy levels during long, grueling races.
His journey proves that you don’t need animal products to perform at the highest levels in sports.
But Damian’s achievements go beyond this race. In 2020, he set a fastest-known time for the 268-mile Pennine Way, completing it in just 61 hours and 34 minutes.
During this run, he raised over £4,000 for Greenpeace and promoted eco-friendly practices. This shows that Damian’s passion for the environment and sustainability is as strong as his dedication to running.
Outside the races, Damian is a running coach, author, and advocate for environmental awareness. He co-founded The Green Runners CIC, a community for runners who care about the planet. He has also written two books on running and environmentalism and contributes a column to Runner’s World magazine.
Damian’s story is inspiring for anyone who thinks a vegan diet might limit athletic performance. On the contrary, his achievements show that a plant-based lifestyle can fuel extreme endurance, mental strength, and overall health.
For vegans and non-vegans alike, Damian Hall is proof that dedication, discipline, and conscious choices can break barriers. His record-breaking runs are not just personal victories—they are a testament to the fact that vegan athletes can compete, win, and inspire.
So, the next time you think about what it takes to achieve a challenging goal, remember Damian Hall: a 49-year-old vegan, setting records, protecting the environment, and proving that plant power works.