FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Run For The Water Celebrates 20 Years of Turning Miles Into Clean Water
Austin’s iconic charity race marks milestone anniversary on November 8, 2026 — with runners participating from around the world through the Global Run.
AUSTIN, Texas — This year, Run For The Water celebrates 20 years of running for something bigger than the finish line.
On Sunday, November 8, thousands of runners, walkers, families, and supporters will gather in downtown Austin for the 20th Anniversary Run For The Water — a race that has spent two decades transforming miles run in Texas and around the world into clean water systems for communities in Burundi.
Hosted by the Gazelle Foundation, Run For The Water has become one of Austin’s signature running events, drawing thousands of participants annually through its 10-Miler, 5K, Kids K, and Global Run virtual race option — allowing supporters from anywhere in the world to participate in the mission.
Whether running through downtown Austin or participating virtually from another city, state, or country, every mile helps fund sustainable clean water systems for communities in Burundi.
“For 20 years, this community has shown what’s possible when people come together around something meaningful,” said Courtney Waldren, Executive Director of the Gazelle Foundation. “Every registration, every sponsorship, and every step taken during Run For The Water helps bring clean water closer to home for families in Burundi.”
Founded by Burundian genocide survivor and runner Gilbert Tuhabonye, the race was created around a simple but powerful idea: running can change lives far beyond the course itself.
“Every step up a hill here shortens the walk for someone in Burundi — from four miles to just 400 meters,” said Tuhabonye.
Over the past 20 years, support generated through Run For The Water has helped fund gravity-fed clean water systems that provide long-term access to safe water for communities in Burundi. These systems include protected springs, pipelines, storage tanks, and community tap stands designed for sustainability and local ownership.
This year’s race will once again feature Austin’s scenic downtown-to-Tarrytown course, the return of the Hill Challenge, live Burundian drumming, and a milestone celebration honoring two decades of impact.
Participants of all experience levels are invited to join — whether taking on the 10-Miler, running their first 5K, participating in the Kids K, or joining virtually through the Global Run from anywhere in the world.
Race registration is now open.
EVENT DETAILS
Run For The Water — 20th Anniversary
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Austin, Texas + Global Run Virtual Option
Distances:
10-Miler
5K
Kids K
Global Run (Virtual)
Registration and information:
Run For The Water Official Website
About the Gazelle Foundation
The Gazelle Foundation is an Austin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to communities in Burundi through sustainable, community-owned water systems. Learn more at Gazelle Foundation.
Media Contact
Courtney Waldren
Executive Director
Gazelle Foundation
Email: courtney@gazellefoundation.org
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