Last year, several runners approached Farm Sanctuary to ask if they could raise money for animals in need by running in marathons across the country! Two runners who recently completed marathons share why they ran for animals:

Adrianne Prettyman ING New York City Marathon

Adrianne Prettyman ran in one of the most iconic races in the world - the ING New York City Marathon. Prettyman, who was 'blown away' by the overwhelming support she has received from friends, family and the community, nearly quadrupled her initial fundraising goal of $300. "Running my first marathon is certainly a 'bucket list' experience, and the process has become even more incredible through supporting a worthy cause that's so close to my heart," says Prettyman. "Raising money to protect farm animals turned those long hours on the treadmill into a labor of love."

Cory Kalanick - Las Vegas Marathon

Firefighter Cory Kalanick, a Hanford, California resident trained for his first marathon in the heart of California dairy country. He ran in the Las Vegas Marathon on December 5 to support the lifesaving work of Farm Sanctuary and to raise awareness for healthy vegan living. For Kalanick, it has been a journey that began when he visited the Orland, California Shelter of Farm Sanctuary last year. The experience affected him profoundly. "I left there feeling a renewed commitment to veganism and a new commitment to help stop the suffering of farm animals," says Kalanick. "I chose a marathon as my vessel for spreading the message about Farm Sanctuary, because I knew it would garner the attention needed to reach many people in a positive way."

These are just two kind individuals who have raised money for farm animals through running marathons. There are many more who are currently raising money to do the same, for example, vegan triathlete Richard Adams, who is planning to compete in the 2011 Ironman Lake Placid race in New York on July 24, 2011.

Richard Adams - Ironman Lake Placid

Inspired by vegan endurance athletes like Scott Jurek and professional Ironman Brendan Brazier, Adams credits his vegan diet with giving him the competitive edge of increased energy, fewer missed training days due to injury/illness, and quicker recovery times after races. You can read his inspiring story about switching to a vegan diet after visiting Farm Sanctuary, and overcoming gastrointestinal problems once he made the switch here.

Donations to athletes running for animals can be made here.