American Vegan Society (AVS) CEO Anne Dinshah is training to row a marathon. That’s 26 miles! For perspective, rowing is slower than running.

Anne was a professional rowing coach before her full-time leadership at AVS. These days, she rows on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, early mornings before workdays at American Vegan Center.

She often rows her single scull 8 miles with friends in a masters group, then continues solo for another 7 miles. The extended sessions (3+ hours) give her valuable time to meditate and brainstorm new AVS projects—charting the course of how to help over 80 billion land animals (plus countless fishes) killed for food annually!

Anne will row her marathon with planned river loops of 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 miles, using Vesper Boat Club as a safe place for pit stops. The row will take place this fall (date tba: decisions to row are affected by weather, river currents, post-storm debris, etc.).

Follow AVS on social media for updates. Please give per mile: $1, $2, or whatever you choose—to power Anne and the AVS Team.

Already Vegan?

Feeling inspired? Create your own quest to raise awareness for animals! You can pledge to raise funds for the American Vegan Society (and/or aim to recruit a goal number of new AVS members within a set time).

Do the most good—whatever you can, wherever you can. Your quest doesn’t have to be a sport, but if it is, choose your path: row, run, bike, kayak. Or take on hours of ping pong, tennis, painting, writing—anything that challenges you and draws attention to the cause in a positive way.

Raise awareness. Spread compassion. Ask your employer about a matching gift.

Stay safe: Build a support system. You may even choose to join an existing race or event as part of Team “Row for the Animals.”

Choose something challenging, but not risky. After all, the only ones truly in danger are the animals we’re trying to help. Share your story—with photos or video! And donate to AVS!