VEGRUN in Western Sydney Promotes Healthy and Sustainable Living

Owen Koh & Hsi Pin | Sydney, Australia  

The 2026 VEGRUN Global Veg Run, jointly organised by Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Sydney East 1, West 1, and West 2 Subchapters, was held on the morning of 18 July at Parramatta Park, Sydney. Nearly 80 Fo Guang members, local residents, families, and friends took part in the event. Combining a charity fun run with vegetarian advocacy and environmental education, the event encouraged participants to embrace healthier lifestyles while reducing carbon emissions and protecting all forms of life through mindful eating and regular exercise.

Before the event commenced, Venerable Chueh Shan, Abbess of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta, encouraged everyone to recognise that a vegetarian diet not only benefits physical and mental well-being but is also a compassionate way to protect life and care for the planet. Through VEGRUN, she hopes to inspire the community to cultivate healthy and positive lifestyles while putting into practice the Three Acts of Goodness advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun—Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts. By living these values daily, families become happier, communities more harmonious, and society more peaceful.

Before the starting whistle, participants warmed up with an energetic "Fruit & Vegetable Zumba" session. Dancing joyfully to lively music, everyone stretched, laughed, and shared in the vibrant atmosphere that set the tone for the charity run.

At the sound of Venerable Chueh Shan's whistle, participants enthusiastically began the 2-kilometre charity run, following a scenic route past Noller Bridge, the Parramatta River, Old Kings Oval, CommBank Stadium, and Government Farm. Young people, seniors, and families walked and ran together through the beautiful parklands, demonstrating their commitment to healthy living and environmental sustainability with every step.

Following the run, Venerable Chueh Shan presented medals and prizes to the top three finishers while congratulating every participant for supporting charitable causes and environmental protection through their actions. The award ceremony was filled with applause, cheers, and a joyful sense of accomplishment.

Beyond the run itself, the event featured a variety of interactive educational activities. Participants were invited to join the "Vegetarian A Plan" campaign by pledging to incorporate more plant-based meals into their daily lives as a practical way to reduce carbon emissions. BLIA Sydney West 2 Subchapter also organised a Vegetarian Challenge, encouraging participants to set achievable goals such as enjoying their next meal as vegetarian, trying a new plant-based recipe during the week, adding an extra vegetable dish to family meals, or sharing a vegetarian meal with loved ones. A colourful fruit-and-vegetable-themed photo booth also delighted children and adults alike, allowing families to dress up in fun produce costumes while promoting healthy living and environmental awareness in an engaging and memorable way.

First-time participant Chen Jianhao shared that the event was relaxed, enjoyable, and filled with the warmth and positive energy of Fo Guang members. Besides experiencing the joy of exercise, he gained a deeper understanding of the health and environmental benefits of vegetarianism. Seeing so many Fo Guang members who have embraced vegetarian living over the years, as well as participants enthusiastically signing up for the Vegetarian A Plan and Vegetarian Challenge, deeply inspired him to continue his own vegetarian journey and contribute to protecting life and the Earth.

Tang Haihua and Zhou Yun, who joined the event together with three generations of their family, said the VEGRUN experience strengthened family bonds as they encouraged one another throughout the course. More importantly, it gave the younger generation an opportunity to learn the values of healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and respect for all life.

High school student Kong A Siou Amelin, one of the top three medal recipients, reflected that signing the Vegetarian A Plan helped her realise that caring for the environment begins with everyday choices. Choosing vegetarian meals and adopting low-carbon lifestyles are simple yet meaningful ways to protect nature.

The VEGRUN Global Veg Run for Charity is far more than a community fun run. It is a meaningful initiative that brings together compassion for all beings, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Through exercise, vegetarian advocacy, and environmental education, the event united people in positive action while embodying the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism—serving society with compassion and benefiting all beings through action. Every participant left having planted seeds of health, peace, hope, and sustainability, contributing towards a brighter future for our planet and generations to come.