91 Year Old Vegan Runner Breaks World Record

While most people are merely hoping to still be alive and healthy at 91 years old, vegan runner Mike Fremont is running races – and breaking world records. What’s his secret?

“Training is important, but when you get to be my age, you’re not going to able to train at all unless your body holds up,” said Fremont. “I simply cannot overemphasize the importance of the plant-based diet to my performance.”

Fremont completed the Knoxville Half Marathon last weekend in 3:03:56, a single-age world record. Fremont also holds the American and world records for the marathon in his age group with a time of 6:35:47 at the Huntington Marathon last year.

The Cincinnati resident was inspired to start running in 1958 after his first wife passed away and he became the sole parent of three young children. Running was simply an outlet for stress.

When Fremont was 69 he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Doctors warned him that without surgery, he’d have just three months left. Fremont did undergo surgery but also transformed his diet, eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs. He largely credits his diet change for shrinking the tumor and ultimately ridding himself of the cancer. Now, not only is he cancer free, he’s a world champion.

Learn more about the health benefits of choosing plant-based foods. Then, get started with these delicious recipes!

And if you feel inspired to start running — or to enter a few fun races — why not Run for Compassion? Read about Nicole’s 9 Races for 9 Billion Animals for even more inspiration!