Run, don’t walk to sign up for the 18th annual Run For The Water 5K, 10 Miler, and Kids K, taking place the first Sunday in November to benefit the Gazelle Foundation. Our organization’s mission is to provide clean water systems to Burundi.
What: Run For The Water 5k, 10-Miler, Kids K
When: Sunday, November 3, 2024
How: Register
Start a team or join a team for even more fun! Everyone knows it’s more fun to run with your friends, family, neighbors. Our race is the only one you’ll spot with Burundian drummers who inspire all the runners at the finish line. And we have three different distances available, so literally anyone can take part.
Not in Austin but invested in our mission to bring clean water to Burundi? Consider participating in our Global Run!
Check out event coverage in Tribeza!
Our Mission. Your Movement For Change
Clean water is foundational to reversing the cycle of poverty. In Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, waterborne illnesses continue to be a leading cause of death. The majority of the population lives in rural, mountainous areas that are difficult to access and most have no access to electricity. For a community in rural Burundi, clean water means:
Better health and freedom from waterborne illnesses,
More time for children to attend school,
Better opportunities to invest in economic and agricultural pursuits,
More happiness,
Less conflict, and
More hope.
Children celebrate at the finish line after running the Kids K at Run for the Water 2024. Face painters and other activities make the event fun for the whole family. Families who have adopted children from Burundi attend the race to meet one another and give their children a way to help the country of their birth.
Learn How Run for the Water Got Started
>>Watch the video narrated by Gilbert TuhabonyE
Discover how our annual road race, Run For The Water, significantly contributes to our mission, and what you can do to help our friends in Burundi, Africa. Gilbert Tuhabonye, the Gazelle Foundation’s co-founder, runs with joy, hope and forgiveness to inspire others here in Central Texas and in Burundi to do the same. Join our movement for change to bring lifesaving, sustainable water systems to Burundi.
Thank you to every Brand Partner that chooses to blend business with impact.
Add your business' name to this list by exploring 2024 Partnership Opportunities at Run For The Water.
It’s our 18th year, we’re sharing 18 facts about Run For The Water, Burundi and the impact of clean water
Since the race began in 2009, 46,000 people have toed the start line to Run For The Water.
Of those who registered for the 2023 race, 40% signed up for the 5k distance.
Run For The Water is a fundraising event benefitting the Gazelle Foundation —100% of event proceeds go to building clean water systems in Burundi.
The energy, rhythmic sounds, and dancing of a dozen Burundian drummers usher finishers to the home stretch with joy.
Race participants do NOT get finisher’s medals, this simple cost-saving measure means even more people in Burundi get a lifetime of clean water.
Waterborne diseases continue to be a leading cause of death in Burundi.
Every water system built reduces or eliminates deadly waterborne diseases.
Clean water is available to all people regardless of tribe or religion, healing divisions and building common ground.
Access to water gives people time to grow food, earn an income, spend time with family, and attend school — all of which are foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Overall, we have provided clean water to 133,260 people.
We have invested over $2.73 million in clean water projects in Burundi.
We have created 5,193 jobs in Burundi.
A typical Gazelle Foundation water system reduces the distance to clean safe water from 4 miles to 400 meters.
To simulate the daily journey of many Burundians, Walk Teams are invited to walk the 5K route trading off the carrying duty of water jugs that weigh 30-40 lbs.
Runner statistics: a quick approximation of the number of steps per mile is as follows: 2,400 for females and 2,112 for males.
Run For The Water is only part of the story. Combined with our other events and your generous donations, 71 water systems have been built bringing clean water to more than 128,760 people.
When the construction of a new system kicks off, the life-changing impact begins.
We have built the best community of Supporters and Partners in the world (that's you!).
We've accomplished a lot, but there is still much to do!
WE CAN SOLVE THE WATER CRISIS IN BURUNDI.
IT ALL STARTS RIGHT HERE - WITH YOU.
Burundi needs us and we need you. Each of our events is an opportunity to provide clean water to those who need it most. Join our mailing list, get involved, and help us transform lives in Burundi.
The Gazelle Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Children and adults celebrate a new clean water system in their rural village. Tap stands reduce the walking time dramatically saving precious time for everyone.