Vegan runner breaks Aussie half marathon record

Vegan runner Isobel "Izzi" Batt-Doyle broke the 25-year-old Australian half marathon record in Japan, setting a new time of 1:07:17 at the Kagawa Marugame half marathon in February 2025. The previous record was held by the late Kerryn McCann, who ran 1:07:48 in Tokyo in 2000. Izzi's disciplined race and blistering pace allowed her to beat the record by 30 seconds, putting her in third place overall.

Since transitioning to a vegan diet in late 2014, Izzi has seen improvements in her running performance. She believes in the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle, and credits her success in breaking records and competing in major events to her plant-based diet. Izzi's achievement adds to her list of accolades, including holding South Australian records and competing at the Paris Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, showcasing the power of vegan athletes in the sports world.