SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - On Saturday morning, the start of Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah was met by a group of mother-led PETA supporters who dropped “dead” in front of the starting line. The marathon was presented by Team Milk, which according to the female-led pack of PETA supporters, runs on cruelty because they say the dairy industry systematically sexually assaults female cows and steals their newborn babies so that the milk meant to nourish them can be sold to humans. Photo provided by PETA To honor the cows, the protesting mothers who wore shirts that stated, “Milk Marathon: Using Women to Exploit Cows”, delayed the start of the race while others in the crowd had a banner showing images of female cows in the dairy industry. There was also a mobile billboard that circled the event. Photo provided by PETA “It’s a new low for the dairy industry to use human women to promote an industry literally built on the exploitation of female bodies,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “This miserable milk race is an exercise in cruelty to cows, and PETA is calling on everyone to stand in solidarity with all females by dumping dairy and going vegan.” According to Every Woman's Marathon's website, milk is the original performance drink, and Team Milk is committed to providing both essential nutrients and community support for female runners through their 26.2 running program. Their goal is to get more women out and experiencing the joy and community that comes with completing a marathon. Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah: What to know According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and calcium to build strong bones. Pasteurized, whole cow’s milk and soy beverages that have been fortified with vitamin D are good sources of vitamin D and calcium. Most cow’s milk sold in the United States is fortified with vitamin D. However, PETA says female cows produce milk only when they’re pregnant or nursing, for the same reason human women do—to feed their babies. Given the chance, mother cows form deep bonds with their young. “This miserable milk PR stunt is using women’s blood, sweat, and tears to push a product derived from the misery of mother cows,” says PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is calling on runners and people everywhere to go the extra mile for females of all species by going vegan.”