Vegan runner Andreas Vojta secured second place in the 2025 Wings For Life World Run (WFL), a unique race without a fixed distance or time. Participants run until caught by the “Catcher Car,” either physically or digitally. The last runner caught wins, covering the greatest distance. Vojta ran 68.54km (over 42 miles) in four hours and nine minutes.

Jo Fukuda of Japan won the race with 71.67km, while Jake Barraclough from the UK finished third with 67.86km. The WFL World Run 2025 involved 310,719 participants and raised €8.6 million for Spinal Cord Research.

Vojta, a leading Austrian track runner, holds national records for the indoor and outdoor 1000 meters and has qualified for the Olympics and World Championships. In April, he completed the Vienna marathon in 2:15:01. He adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2018 and frequently shares plant-based treats on social media with the hashtag #candycheck.

In an interview with Great Vegan Athletes, Vojta explained that his veganism stems from ethical and environmental concerns, and he has experienced health benefits. He emphasizes strict adherence to vegan principles, even while traveling. Vojta focuses on a diverse diet, highlighting the abundance of plant-based foods. His core diet consists of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits for snacks.

Recent studies support the benefits of vegan diets for athletes. One study found that vegan diets are as effective as omnivorous diets in synthesizing muscle fibers. Another study from 2024 indicated that vegan protein sources offer similar muscle and health advantages as meat and animal products. An increasing number of athletes worldwide are acknowledging the benefits of plant-based diets.