A NEW group of runners has come together in Malvern to disprove ideas that a vegan diet is not suitable for performance running.

Malvern Vegan Runners advocate a diet of plants, fruit, nuts and seeds for improved health and better performance.

In their black and green vests, MVRs are popping up in local races and achieving results.

Triathlete Diane Wynne came first in her age groups in the recent Winter Warrior Round 2.

She said: "A lady at the registration was asking who I was running for. I replied Vegan Runner. She must have thought it was a charity and asked me how much I had raised. I told her it was not about raising money, but raising awareness and promoting veganism, and about how animals are treated and promoting compassion towards them.”

Jonathan Herod ran his first marathon on Edinburgh this year at the age of 41. He said: “Not only have my athletic performances improved as a result of my vegan lifestyle but so have my recovery times. I am thrilled that my choices are reducing animal suffering. Although I became vegan for the health benefits, I would now be vegan for any of the three reasons. It’s the best choice I have made in my life.”

Bill Clayton, who has been vegan for seven years, said: "There are so many quality resources available on the internet these day that help make this lifestyle change so much more practical."

MVRs are on Facebook and are members of the Malvern Vegans Facebook group.