First Plant Fueled Run East to West of Aussie

Hi, I am Sam, a 23-year-old in Melbourne, and I am looking to become the first person to run from the East to the West Coast of Australia on a Vegan diet between April and June 2024 for Australian animal welfare charities. I will be running over 60km day in, day out, across a continent that will present extreme weather conditions, a host of deadly animals, and some mighty challenging terrain.

On this journey, I hope to raise awareness around a more compassionate lifestyle, animal welfare, the environment, long-term health and how a plant-based diet positively influences all of these vital aspects of modern life. Alongside this, I hope to dispel myths around veganism and athleticism. Whilst also raising money for Australian animal welfare charities.

I hope the exposure I get from completing the run will allow me to improve the current debate around plant-based diets. As well as make crucial facts more widely known and empower people to make positive choices for themselves, the planet, and animals.

This challenge is not only daunting physically and logistically but also financially. The funds raised will go to animal welfare companies minus the cost of the run. The costs of the run will be used for transport, food, and equipment to get me from one side of Australia to the other on foot. This includes purchasing or hiring a campervan, enough food to supply me with the 5000 calories a day that I will need to consume, and additional running equipment such as specialist GPS watches for the more deserted roads to ensure safety in the outback. I will hopefully have a support team of 3 people who will support my running and logistical challenge of this adventure. They will also empower me to have more and more conversations about vegan diets en route and virtually to raise ever more awareness. The more money we raise, the greater the support team can be, leading to broader discussions and a more extensive reach.

I am a big believer in community and hope to build a community around this challenge. I will rely on generous donations from companies and people with relatable values and beliefs. You may be someone who is a passionate vegan or a believer in following your dream. Whoever you are and whatever your motivations are for donating, I will be forever grateful.