ABOUT THE RACE
WHO IS THE RACE BENEFICIARY?
Run For The Water is owned and operated by the Gazelle Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) since 2006. The Gazelle Foundation is dedicated to providing clean water to the people of Burundi, Africa. Clean water provides a path out of poverty, bringing access to better health, stronger communities, jobs, education, and most of all: hope.
IS MY ENTRY FEE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
The Gazelle Foundation has been a registered 501(c)(3) since 2006. According to IRS regulations, we are not permitted to count entry fees as donations. However, any donations made along with your registration at the time of race signup or in addition to it through our fundraising portal are fully tax-deductible. For runners who add a donation at the time of race registration, you will receive confirmation of your donation in your confirmation email.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GAZELLE FOUNDATION?
To learn more about the Gazelle Foundation, visit our website hereto see why water matters, how we deliver clean water, and our impact. And, be sure to , or follow us on, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
MAY I FUNDRAISE FOR RUN FOR THE WATER?
Yes. While fundaising is not required for our charitable race, we encourage fundraising to amplify our impact. We provide all the tools you need to get started. Learn how here. All proceeds go toward our mission to build clean water systems in Burundi.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS THE RACE BEEN HELD?
This year is our 19th year to hold Run For The Water, a charitable road race inspired by Gilbert Tuhabonye’s experience as an award-winning runner, coach, and genocide survivor. Watch our video narrated By Gilbert Tuhabonye to discover how the event significantly contributes to our cause, and what can do to help our friends in Burundi, Africa.
REGISTRATION
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE EVENT?
You can register HERE.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AGES ALLOWED FOR EACH EVENT?
• 10-Miler: 13 years
• 5K: 6 years
• Kids K: no minimum (we welcome babies in strollers for this event!)
• Global Run: no minimum
What is the Hill Challenge
This fall, Run For The Water introduces a new way to run with joy and purpose: the inaugural Hill Challenge, in partnership with Lululemon. This friendly competition to be the fastest on 600 meter segment of the 10-mile course celebrates strength, joy, and determination—all in support of providing clean water for life to communities in Burundi. No additional registration is required, it's automatic for all 10-milers.
Every step up a hill here shortens the walk for someone in Burundi — from four miles to just 400 meters. Learn more >>
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY REGISTRATION?
All registered participants receive a 10-week training plan perscribed by Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye. In Person participants also get a commemorative race bib, collectible race t-shirt, complimentary photos, live-performance by Burundian Drummers, access to Kids area with face painters and games and the knowledge that a portion of your registration fee will be used to bring clean water to an individual in Burundi. 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.
Kids K participants receive a cape.
Global Run (virtual event) receive commemorative swag via mail.
CAN I GET A REFUND OR DEFER MY REGISTRATION?
As stated at the time of registration, Run For The Water is unable to offer any form of refund or transfer of race entry to other runners.
I SIGNED UP FOR THE 1O MILE, CAN I SWITCH TO THE 5K?
Yes, you can switch from the 10-Miler to the 5K, however we do not refund the difference in your registration fee. Email us at info@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events.
I SIGNED UP FOR THE 5K, CAN I SWITCH TO THE 10 MILE?
Yes, you can switch from the 5K to the 10-Miler, but you will have to pay the difference in fee at the time you switch. Email us at r4tw@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events.
I SIGNED UP FOR IN-PERSON, CAN I SWITCH TO VIRTUAL?
Yes, you may request a switch to the virtual Global Run by emailing r4tw@gazellefoundation.org. **Please note that when switching to the Global Run you will receive a Global Run packet by mail instead of an in-person packet and t-shirt at Packet Pickup. Global swag differs from in person swag.
I SIGNED UP FOR THE VIRTUAL GLOBAL RUN, CAN I SWITCH TO EITHER THE 5K OR THE 10-MILER?
Yes, you can switch from Global Run to either the 10-Miler to the 5K in Austin, but you will need to pay the difference in fee at the time you switch. Email us at r4tw@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events. If you switch races, you will not receive the Global Run finisher swag. 025/102453/run-for-the-water
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GLOBAL RUN?
We have a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions page devoted to our Global Run, which can be run or walked up to a week ahead of November 9 or on November 9, 2025. It's a great option to be part of our movement for change if you can't make it to Austin, are traveling, or are based anywhere in the world.
HAt & Merch
HAT! HOW DO I GET ONE?
Order yours during race registration, or click here. Supply is limited. Reserve yours, collect it in November during packet pick up at Karavel.
**Hat pick up is available during packet pick up only.
Groups
Are There Group Options?
We are excited to welcome groups of all kinds to this year's Run For The Water. Corporate organizations, School groups, Run clubs, Friend groups, the more the merrier!
Run For The Water creates an atmosphere for group bonding and relationship building, not only on race day but throughout the training journey. At our charity run every step shortens the walk to water for someone in Burundi — from four miles to just 400 meters.
**New this year: Reserved spot at the Finish Line Festival. We have a limited supply available. Let's get started! Email us: r4tw@gazellefoundation.org
My Business or the Company I work For Wants To be Involved
Training together toward a common goal can help you attract and retain talent, boost camaraderie and community impact. If your company or organization has multiple locations, our Global Run is available too, it can be run or walked from anywhere on the globe. The in-person event will happen Sunday, Nov 9th in Austin, Texas.
How it works
Companies can purchase entries for the in-person event and/or the Global Run. Contact us to get started. We'll work with you to customize a plan to fit your goals. You will have options such as:
- purchasing entries individually,
- paying one invoice as a group, or
- splitting the cost 50/50 between the organization and the employee.
With our distances of a 5k, 10-miler, Kids K, and the Global run, there's truly something for everyone!
**New this year: Reserved spot at the Finish Line Festival. We have a limited supply available. Let's get started! Email us: r4tw@gazellefoundation.org
TrAINING PLAN
WHAT IS THE TRAINING PLAN?
All registered runners receive our Ultimate Training Plan created by Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye. Run For The Water is a great race to challenge and celebrate you as a runner and athlete.
The 10-week plan will guide you how to improve strength, build endurance, and run smarter with a variety of runs designed to make sure you feel ready for race day. But most importantly, it will help you learn to celebrate the starting line so you can feel amazing as you run towards the finish line.
We know running isn’t the only thing on your to-do list, this Training Plan is designed to meet you where you start, whether you're training for the 5k or 10-miler. Each week gives you guided Runs—from Recovery Runs to Speed Workouts and Long Runs. It also gives recovery and cross training tips, nutrition and midset advice, plus exclusive offers from our incredible partners. We’re your biggest fan! We'll meet you on the starting line!
HOW/WHEN DO I GET MY TRAINING PLAN
Training plans will be distributed in late August. Runners who register before 8/25/2025 will receive their training plan via email, to the address you entered during race registration. Runners who register on or after 08/25/2025 will receive their training plan in your race confirmation email. Have questions? We're here to help, email us at:
Official Shakeout Run
What and Where is the shakeout run?
Sat, Nov 8 at Karavel Shoes located at: 1011 W. Anderson Lane Austin Texas 78757. *Stay tuned for details!
Stay tuned for details!
Parking is complimentary at the Karavel parking lot
Packet Pickup
WHERE IS PACKET PICKUP AND WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
Packet pickup will take place at Karavel Shoes, located at: 1011 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757 Stay tuned for dates/hours.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK FOR PACKET PICKUP?
Parking is complimentary at the Karavel parking lot.
MAY I PICK UP A PACKET FOR ANOTHER RUNNER?
Yes, you may pickup another runner’s packet. However, please have them send you their confirmation email with barcode to help make the pickup process smoother and faster for all.
CAN YOU HOLD OR MAIL MY PACKET TO ME?
No, runners joining the event in Austin, TX must attend packet pick-up to receive your bib and other race items. Only Global Run race packets will be mailed to participants after the event.
Race Day
RACE RESULTS
Find Photos and Results here.
Timing issue [contact form][2]
AWARDS
Overall Awards and top TWO Age Group will be emailed by Nov 20th.
RRCA Awards will be mailed beginning Nov 20th.
** NEW THIS YEAR: The Hill Challenge. Austin’s hills meet Burundi’s mountains in this powerful partnership. The Hill Challenge is a friendly competition to be the fastest on a specific segment of the 10-mile course. No additional registration is required, it's automatic for all 10-milers. Whether you’re racing to win or simply to grow, your effort helps bring clean water to families, schools, and clinics in Burundi.
WHAT DATE IS THE 2025 EVENT IN AUSTIN?
Race Day is Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Downtown Austin, TX.
WHEN DOES THE RACE START?
The 5K and 10 Miler races start at 7:00 am. The Kids K starts at 9:15 am.
WHERE ARE THE START AND FINISH LINE LOCATIONS?
The 5K and 10 Miler races start just East of Lamar and end on the South First Street Bridge. The Start Line and Finish Line are about ½ mile from each other.
The Kids K starts at the Run For The Water Finish Line on the north end of the South First Street Bridge at the intersection of Cesar Chavez.
WHAT IS THE COURSE FOR EACH EVENT?
You can find course maps for each event HERE.
VOLUNTEERing
Can I Volunteer?
Yes! We have many volunteer opportunities over the race weekend. Stay tuned for sign up details here!
ARE THERE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE? MY BUSINESS OR THE COMPANY I WORK WITH WANTS TO BE INVOLVED.
If the company that you work for or a business that you own is interested in either becoming a partner please email us: info@gazellefoundation.org
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMS
If your company or the company you work with is interested in purchasing entries for employees please email us: info@gazellefoundation.org