From the person behind the films “Cowspiracy” and “What the Health,” comes “Running for Good,” a new documentary which follows ultra-runner Fiona Oakes’ personal story.
Fiona is a British marathon runner who holds four world records for marathon running and is the fastest woman to run a marathon on all 7 continents, despite having no kneecap in her right knee since the age of 14. Narrated by another vegan ultra-athlete Rich Roll, “Running for Good” follows Fiona all the way to the Sahara Desert to compete in the “toughest footrace on earth,” the Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race that winds its way through harsh desert conditions.
The movie is a true celebration of the human spirit. What is remarkable is just how humble Fiona comes across in the film – she started running because she felt it was an easy way to raise money for the animals she looks after on her sanctuary. A vegan since the age of 4, Fiona runs Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary in England with her husband.
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Keegan Kuhn who is one of the Executive Producers behind “Running for Good,” and here is what he had to say about the film.
What drew you to Fiona and why did you feel it was important to share her story?
Fiona Oakes is hands down one of the most impressive athletes and human beings I’d ever heard of. What she has been able to accomplish with her limited funds, time and physical disability is simply astounding. I wanted to share her story because I believe she is one of the most underreported ultra-athletes in the world. So many athletes strive to be “the best” for no other reason than ego, and then you have Fiona who only wants to be the best so that people will take notice of the vegan message. That is refreshing and inspiring. I felt it was important to not only tell Fiona’s story because of the above-mentioned reasons but also because I think as media producers we need to be elevating women’s stories. We live with male-dominated media and we really need to be balancing that more. Add on top of that how the vegan community is predominantly female and yet so much of even the “vegan media” is male-focused, really pointed for a need for the presence of more women.
This movie feels much more uplifting than Cowspiracy or WTH – was that intentional?
Running For Good I believe is an uplifting film because it shows what one person is able to achieve. It doesn’t dwell much on the horrors of animal exploitation, but rather on what can be done.
What do you hope are the key takeaways that people will walk away with from watching this movie?
I want audiences to feel inspired. I want people to see themselves in Fiona and to take their passion for justice, equality, compassion and peace to the next level. Whether that is becoming an activist for the issues closest to their own heart, or living more in line with their values by becoming vegan, I want people to realize that they can do more and to not let anything hold them back. I would also love for people to see Fiona’s tireless work at her sanctuary and to support Tower Hill Stables in whatever way they can.
What has been the response so far?
The response to Running For Good has been phenomenal! People are absolutely amazed at Fiona! They are also shocked that they had never heard about her before. I hope that the film will make it impossible for anyone, especially in the athletics world, to not know who Fiona Oakes is!
What’s next?
I’m working on a new film with my friend John Lewis AKA “The Badass Vegan” about food justice told through the lens of hip hop. It’s shaping up to be a powerful film about the connection between diet, disease, poverty, institutional racism and corruption and the influence of art to shape the future! I’m really excited about it!
If you are interested in watching Running for Good, you can rent it from the film’s website for £3.01 or £7.58 if you want to purchase it. Be sure to check out the trailer below – I promise you will feel inspired!
For more information on Fiona’s sanctuary, visit her website here.
If after watching Fiona’s story you are not inspired by her, you don’t have a pulse! I wondered how I had not heard of her athletic feats. She is a lesson in humility and strength of character. Well done Fiona, and thumbs up Keegan!
Thanks thevegantwist.com!
I agree – thanks Billie!
omg what an incredible story. and i love how keegan mentions that she does this for others and not herself, something more people should aspire to do!
She’s a truly remarkable human! I definitely recommend watching the movie – it’s impossible not to feel inspired 🙂