Fiona Oakes is the embodiment of that simple, poignant observation.
The documentary Running for Good: The Fiona Oakes Documentary, airing on Scientology Network, tells the inspiring story of Fiona Oakes, a woman who overcame extreme physical adversity to become a champion ultramarathon runner. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Keegan Kuhn, the feature-length film chronicles Fiona’s inspiring journey—from her struggles with a debilitating physical condition to her success as a four-time world-record marathon runner.
Born in the United Kingdom, Fiona faced unimaginable challenges early in life, enduring more than 15 surgeries on her right knee, with doctors declaring she might never walk again. If she did walk, she was told, it would most definitely be in pain. Defying their predictions, Fiona not only walked again, she thrived as a world-class athlete.
In Running for Good, viewers are taken on a breathtaking odyssey from the vast, unforgiving Sahara Desert to the icy terrain of the North Pole and Antarctica, where Fiona competes in some of the most grueling races across seven continents. Among these is the Marathon Des Sables, dubbed “the toughest footrace on Earth”—a six-day endurance race covering 250 kilometers through the sweltering heat of the Sahara. The documentary showcases Fiona’s fortitude as she pushes herself beyond the limits of endurance—not for glory, but for advocacy.
“I don’t really care that much about running,” she says. “I just care about the results I can get from the running.”
Running for Good isn’t just about one woman’s extraordinary feats of endurance—it’s about deep commitment, resilience and purpose.
Fiona runs for one purpose: to raise awareness for animal welfare, supporting more than 400 rescued animals in her Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary—all the while advocating for veganism as a sustainable, compassionate lifestyle.
It’s a greater need than you’d think: An animal is subjected to abuse every 60 seconds and, each year, 10 million animals are abused to death in the US alone. Worse, studies show a strong correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence.
“I think it’s really important to show that living with purpose and with a mission and not just a totally self-centered way of thinking and living is an inspiring thing and something we should highlight more of,” Kuhn, a vegan himself, explained in a recent interview with Scientology Media Productions for Documentary Showcase.
The animals Fiona cares for at her sanctuary—as well as millions more suffering around the world—are what drive her. “She has to push herself to these tremendous lengths to try to get a platform so that she can speak for those who have no voice,” says Fiona’s mother, Meg Oakes.
While she may downplay her own athletic abilities—Fiona says of her running: “I lack talent. I lack ability.”—her achievements speak for themselves. Her record defies the stereotype that veganism limits physical performance. This, too, ties into her mission: to prove that a compassionate, plant-based diet and lifestyle can fuel world-class athletic achievements, while also making the world a better place for animals. She is in good company in that regard, as tennis stars Venus Williams and Novak Djokovic, NBA player Chris Paul and Formula 1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton are also vegans like her. Many athletes even report enhanced energy levels and faster recovery times from a plant-based diet.
At its core, Running for Good isn’t just about one woman’s extraordinary feats of endurance—it’s about deep commitment, resilience and purpose. Fiona’s relentless drive inspires viewers to push beyond their perceived limitations and embrace a life lived for others, no matter the challenge that doing so presents. As Fiona puts it, “I’m just going to run, shuffle, crawl, slide—whatever I’ve got to do.”
Thanks to Kuhn’s purpose to uplift, inspire and spotlight heroism through documentary film, Fiona’s story now stands as a vivid reminder that one person’s resolve can make an enormous and lasting impact on the world.
Running for Good is one of many films featured on Scientology Network’s Documentary Showcase, a series that provides a platform for independent filmmakers who share a vision of building a better world. Each week, Documentary Showcase debuts films from award-winning filmmakers who shine a light on important social, cultural and environmental issues. By supporting the work of filmmakers like Keegan Kuhn, Scientology Network plays a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring action.
