Ramsay’s insulting attitude towards vegetarians and vegans, and belief that “vegans are missing out on the most amazing flavor you can get from meat," has sparked contention from those who abstain from eating animals, and has revived the “do vegetarians and vegans get as many nutrients in their diet as meat eaters?” debate. Could this somewhat “tiresome” dispute be resolved by a contest of one of the most grueling sporting challenges possible – the London marathon?

In characteristically competitive fashion, 41-year-old Ramsay has announced that this year he is out to beat his personal best of 3 hours 46 minutes in his tenth consecutive marathon in the capital. Ramsay recently admitted to “being 17 stone and needing to lose weight” and “will be fuelled by plenty of pasta."

There was a time when dieticians and nutritionists advised that removing meat and dairy products from a diet may prove detrimental to the health of the vegan. Today, given greater research and understanding of the subject, the general consensus in the medical profession is that if practiced sensibly, not eating meat and other “animal” related products is actually beneficial to a person’s health. A well-balanced vegetarian diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts, pulses, and potatoes, is naturally low in fat, and high in fibre. Medical studies have proved that obesity, cancer, heart disease, diet-related diabetes, and high blood pressure are significantly lower in vegetarians and vegans.

While a diet without meat and dairy products may help prevent the onset of such life threatening illnesses, aiding a marathon competitor to run 26 miles in a faster time is doubtful. Susan Powell has been a nutritionist for nearly 20 years, and believes that a person eating a sensible and healthy diet including plenty of carbohydrates, will leave them in the best condition to run a marathon, regardless of whether they eat meat or not. According to Powell,

“A diet rich in protein and carbohydrates is the best advice for any athlete, and as plant-based sources, are a naturally high source of these vital ingredients. There is no evidence that shows a vegan marathon runner should be disadvantaged to a non-vegan runner. Of course, it is just as advisable for a meat-eater not to devour a beef burger prior to the race. Training is the core of running a successful marathon”.

Ramsay’s confession to “carb loading” is one ingredient his vegan marathon challengers can also indulge in, together, of course, with zealous amounts of training. And the “T” word is one thing Fiona Oakes is not shy about. Referring to her daily training sessions as “crucifying," running more than 100 miles every week, on top of feeding 400 mouths, mucking out stables, pens, and cages, along with the general day-to-day running of her large animal sanctuary single-handedly, compared to Ramsay’s self-confessed “pounding the streets five times a week to record his best time," Fiona Oakes' preparation for the marathon seems superior in severity.

The London marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Broadcast to millions worldwide, tens of thousands of spectators line the capital’s streets to support the 40,000 competitors the event attracts. Competing against the biggest names in the sport, Fiona Oakes is among the leaders, altruistically raising money for the Captive Animal Protection Society (CAPS), an organization that reports on zoo and animal welfare, and of which Oakes is a patron. Fellow patron Jay Kay, Jamiroquai’s front man, is supportive of Oakes' dedication to raising money for the protection of animals. Jay Kay says:

“I am fully behind Fiona in this. She’s committed to raising awareness of captive animal issues, and much-needed funding for CAPS, by running the marathon.”

But Oakes, it seems, is not alone in being vegan and victorious at sport. Sally Eastall, world class marathon runner and Olympian, commented on how her decision to become a vegan has affected her running:

“Since becoming vegan, my running has improved considerably. Vegan food is ideal – high carbohydrate, low fat, and plenty of vitamins and iron. I’m proud that I run without exploiting animals in any way.”

Tennis ace Martina Navratilova is another vegan who has slashed her meat eating opponents to pieces. But, perhaps most surprisingly, is Carl Lewis, one of the most successful sports personalities in history. The nine time Olympic gold medalist once commented on his dietary choice:

“My best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet. Moreover by continuing to eat a vegan diet, my weight is under control, I like the way I look, I enjoy eating more, and I feel great.”

Like these muscular, toned, successful athletes, Fiona Oakes is also not the clichéd image of a weak and pale vegan, starved of essential nutrients and vitamins. At five feet, six inches high, weighing 50 kilos, and boasting muscles that could rival Popeye’s, this strong-willed woman is determined to triumph in this years marathon, and to obliterate Ramsay’s time. She commented:

“Gordon Ramsay is like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to sport. Why he chooses to persecute a group of people who have done nothing to him, I will never know. One thing I do know however, I will kick his ass on Sunday.”

By brazenly broadcasting that if one of his daughters brought home a “veggie” boyfriend he would never forgive her, it is little surprise that vegetarians and vegans are slightly “begrudging” of the super-chef. In his most anti-vegetarian rant, Ramsay said:

“My biggest nightmare would be if the kids ever came up to me and said “Dad, I’m a vegetarian.” Then I would sit them on the fence and electrocute them.”

Naturally, the comment upset both vegetarians and vegans worldwide, and even infuriated Sir Paul McCartney, who, being a vegetarian for 30 years, referred to Ramsay as “stupid”.

Amanda Baker, media relations officer of the Vegan Society, also feels offended by Ramsay’s remarks, and reiterates that the image of vegans being “weak and unhealthy” could not be further from the truth. Baker believes that contrary to this popular misconception, eating too much meat and dairy products can have damaging consequences to a person’s health:

“Most people in the western world are unaware that they are eating too much protein and calcium. Vegans get plenty of these nutrients from vegetables,” said Baker, who acknowledged the Oakes/Ramsay feud by adding:

“Given that women usually lag behind men by 30 minutes in marathons, Fiona Oakes' lead is equivalent to plenty of time to enjoy a gourmet vegan meal while she waits for Gordon to catch up!”

Preferring to run around “Ibrox stark bollock naked” than having a “son-in-law that’s a vegetarian,” has naturally infuriated many people, and unsurprisingly sparked controversy. But controversy is what Gordon Ramsay is good at. He is as infamous for his obscenities as he is famous for his gastronomic genius. Whether or not the chef is as good at his running???… Unfortunately for Ramsay, one female vegan holds a massive grudge, and is out for revenge. Watch this space, as with vendettas like these making up the starting line, this year’s London marathon promises to be a blockbuster!

Gabrielle Pickard for RT