AUSTIN, Texas — June 1, 2026 — On Global Run Day, runners around the world celebrate the joy of movement, the strength of community, and the positive impact running can have on individuals and communities. For Run For The Water participants, every mile represents something even bigger: access to clean water for families in Burundi.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Run For The Water has become one of Austin's most meaningful running traditions. Since 2006, the event has united thousands of runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters around a shared mission to bring clean water to communities in Burundi.
The connection between Austin and Burundi spans 8,530 miles, but for two decades, Run For The Water participants have helped bridge that distance one mile at a time.
Through the work of the Gazelle Foundation, funds raised through Run For The Water help design and construct sustainable gravity-fed clean water systems in rural Burundi. These systems reduce the distance families travel to collect water, improve health outcomes, increase school attendance, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
Today, the impact of the Run For The Water community includes:
144,560 people served with clean water access
More than $3.03 million invested in clean water infrastructure
5,651 jobs created through water system construction and maintenance
69 schools, churches, and hospitals served
6,600 people provided with clean water access in 2025 alone
For many children in Burundi, access to clean water directly impacts their ability to attend school and pursue their education. Before water systems are built, students often spend hours each day collecting water or miss school due to waterborne illness. Clean water helps create healthier communities and brighter futures.
"Global Run Day is a reminder that running has the power to connect people and create meaningful change," said Gilbert Tuhabonye, co-founder of the Gazelle Foundation and founder of Run For The Water. "Every person who participates in Run For The Water becomes part of a story that extends far beyond race day."
Beyond its impact, Run For The Water has become a beloved Austin tradition. Runners return year after year for the challenging course, enthusiastic volunteers, Burundian drummers, finish-line celebrations, and the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. The event's unique combination of community, purpose, and race-day energy has helped it remain one of Austin's most enduring running events for two decades.
The 20th anniversary Run For The Water will take place on November 8, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Participants can choose from a 10-Miler, 5K, Kids K, or Global Run option that allows supporters to participate from anywhere in the world.
As runners celebrate Global Run Day, Run For The Water invites the community to reflect on the miles that matter and the lives changed through clean water.
About Run For The Water
Run For The Water is an annual Austin running event benefiting the Gazelle Foundation's clean water initiatives in Burundi. Since its founding in 2006, the event has raised funds to support sustainable clean water systems that improve health, education, economic opportunity, and quality of life for rural communities.
Media Contact
Courtney Waldren
Executive Director, Gazelle Foundation
courtney@gazellefoundation.org
512-608-2128