'Run For The Water' in Austin, Change Lives In Africa

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Austin runners will be able to give clean drinking water for life to someone in Burundi, Africa, by registering for the 2018 Run for the Water, in either the 5K, 10-mile or Kids K race.

Runners of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in this upcoming Austin event which has helped bring clean drinking water to more than 92,000 people in Burundi, one of the world’s poorest nations, since 2006.

The city’s second-largest annual charity run, Run for the Water raises money for the Gazelle Foundation, a non-profit founded by Austin resident and Burundian genocide survivor Gilbert Tuhabonye. This year, the foundation hopes to register 4,000 runners to raise more than $300,000 for water projects that will transform lives in Burundi, Africa.

"The Gazelle Foundation is able to make an enormous impact on the everyday lives of Burundians by working closely with them to complete clean water projects one village at a time," organizers wrote in a press advisory. "Last year, the foundation funded locally managed infrastructure projects that have this year brought water to over 13,500 residents. Including three water systems completed in August 2018 that serve 3,800 people. Costs are low – about $30 per person served – thanks to the foundation’s efficient work with local stakeholders."

Organizers added that proceeds from this year’s race will expand the foundation’s plans for regional water systems. "By running just 5 kilometers in Austin, a Central Texas runner can dramatically shorten the distance a Burundian has to walk every day for clean water — from three miles down to a quarter mile or
less," organizers said. "This change brings hope by improving the health, employment prospects and educational opportunities of entire communities."

As further enticement to participate, organizers note that the race follows a spectacular scenic route that Austin Runner Magazine called the best in the city, a "crown jewel and must-do event for beginners and veterans alike." Run for the Water is also the second event in the Austin Distance Challenge.

Courtesy photo

The Gazelle Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that implements charitable efforts to improve life for people in Burundi. Run for the Water is the Gazelle Foundation's largest annual fundraiser. The foundation supports the philanthropic vision of author, local running coach and motivational speaker Gilbert Tuhabonye, who survived genocide in 1993 during Burundi’s civil war.

Tuhabonye literally ran from his attackers, organizers said, before tapping into his abilities to win a track scholarship to the U.S., where he was a member of multiple NCAA national championship teams and carried the Olympic torch in 1996. He is well known in Austin as the leader of the Gilbert’s Gazelles training group and the track coach at St. Andrews High School.

Gilbert Tuhabonye crosses the finish line at a prior 'Run For The Water' race, courtesy photo

What Else You Can Do

Amplify your contribution by asking family, friends and organizations to sponsor your run. Runners can set up personal fundraising pages as part of the registration process.

When & Where

Nov. 4, downtown Austin

• 7:00 a.m.: 10-mile and 5K start at Cesar Chavez east of Lamar Blvd (course maps). Both
races finish on the South First Street Bridge.

• 9:15 a.m.: Kids K starts and finishes on the South First Street Bridge.

How to Register

Sign up at the Run for the Waterwebsite.

Why Run

Most Americans can take access to clean water for granted, but for the people of Burundi, it’s a matter of life and death. Waterborne contaminants are the leading cause of death in the land-locked African nation. Burundi has one of the world’s highest child mortality rates due largely to a lack of clean drinking water.

Child at water tap stand in Burundi, 2015 photo by Spencer Selvidge used with permission

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