Our People Share Our Purpose: Meet the 2024 Run For The Water Team
Run For The Water (R4TW) is made possible by the efforts of many. We want you to get to know the people who make the event possible.
Tessa Madison is taking the reins of race development manager this year. Tessa has been a key member of the Gazelle Foundation and Run For The Water for more than a decade, her tenure includes working to make the Foundation’s mission, special events, and philanthropy accessible to children and families.
What: Run For The Water
When: Sunday, November 3, 2024
How: Register. Registration Opens: April 29, 2024 Learn more
Learn more about Tessa
How did you get connected to the Gazelle Foundation?
I participated in Run For The Water in its second year, soon after Gilbert convinced me to join Gilbert's Gazelles. I met my future husband in that group, Michael Madison, who had already grown a passion for a tiny country in Africa called Burundi. I began volunteering with the Foundation and then started traveling to Burundi regularly. My first trip there changed my life. I knew there would be no part of my future that did not in some way revolve around this country and the people I met.
How does your unique background and perspective help move the mission forward?
I have worked in the non-profit sector my entire career. But this isn't a job for me - it is my heart and soul. I have traveled the world extensively and there has never been a place that pulled me back to it so fiercely. I had never seen poverty and joy in such equal proportions. And it humbled me. There is never a time I forget the purpose of the Foundation. I carry the memory and story of every person I met there and know our work isn't a gift - it's a lifeline.
What do you like to do in your (limited!) spare time?
I love being with my family, my husband, and our two kids, wherever that is! We have moved to West Texas and have truly fallen in love with exploring the state.
What are your favorite things about Run For The Water?
I am biased here because my race involvement started with the Kids K and Kids Corner. I love watching runners race and then re-experience the joy of running at the Kids K. I also love seeing the amazing community that turns out year after year at R4TW. It's an incredible feat for a city as big as Austin.
What do you want people to know about the race?
It's incredibly unique in the sense that regardless of your reason for doing the race, you are truly changing lives when you run. Your run furthers our mission of transforming lives through access to clean water.
How would you describe the race course to a first-time runner?
How strong are your hamstrings and quads? It's a course that puts the body and mind to the test, so if you love pushing those limits come race! Or maybe just come run, maybe walk a little, or a lot ;) ALL are welcome!
What else do you want to share about this year’s Run For The Water?
Your registration is more powerful than you can imagine. When I get to share with communities in Burundi that 5,000+ people in Austin participated in a race on their behalf, they are stunned. For a country with very little hope, your run reminds the people of Burundi that they are not alone.
The Run For The Water leadership team also includes Mason Wheeless of Event Southwest who is handling race operations. Though Cheryl Teekell stepped down as race director for more family time, she remains on the team securing partnerships for the race’s success.
Join Us in Austin, November 3RD, Run for A Great Cause
Discover how our event, Run For The Water, significantly contributes to our cause, and what you can do to help our friends in Burundi, Africa.
>>Watch the video narrated by Gilbert TuhabonyE
For 18 years running, the Gazelle Foundation has thrown the best race in town. The first Sunday in November, over 5,000 runners and walkers take to the streets of downtown Austin for the annual Run For The Water 5K, 10-Miler, and Kids K through our beautiful west Austin course. Race registration opens April 2024.
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 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 are the 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 128,760 people.
We have invested over $2.73 million in clean water projects in Burundi.
We have created 5,088 jobs.
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, 69 water systems have been built bringing clean water to over 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.
