November in Austin means Run For The Water. Austin race welcomes competitive 5K and 10-Miler fields, with the 10-Miler designated an RRCA Championship event
AUSTIN, Texas — August 27, 2026 — Run For The Water is calling competitive runners to the starting line for its 20th anniversary on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Elite athlete applications are now open for both the 5K and 10-Miler, with a limited number of complimentary entries available to qualified athletes selected for the elite field.
Once again this year, the 10-Miler will serve as an RRCA 10-Mile Championship, adding to the competition at one of Austin’s signature fall running events.
“Austin has incredible runners, and I want to see them come out and race,” said Gilbert Tuhabonye, co-founder of the Gazelle Foundation and Run For The Water. “Challenge the course, challenge each other, maybe even challenge a record. Most of all, run with joy!”
Athletes will have some history to chase. Run For The Water awards $250 to runners who break a course record. Current open course records include:
10-Mile Men: David Fuentes — 49:07 (2013)
10-Mile Women: Allie Kieffer — 54:56 (2021)
5K Men: Ryan Day — 15:06 (2023)
5K Women: Lauren Davis — 17:32 (2015)
The 10-Miler takes runners from downtown Austin through the hills of West Austin before returning for a fast, flat finish. Along the way, 10-Miler participants can also take on the 600-meter Hill Challenge, a timed competition within the race.
20 Years of Miles That Matter
Run For The Water began 20 years ago as a way to connect Austin’s running community with the Gazelle Foundation’s mission to bring clean water to people in Burundi. Today, race proceeds support the Foundation’s clean water projects, turning miles run in Austin into lasting clean water infrastructure thousands of miles away.
“As a runner, there’s nothing better than lining up for a race that challenges you,” said Peter Rauch, Board President and co-founder of the Gazelle Foundation. “But Run For The Water has always meant more than the time on the clock. For 20 years, this running community has helped turn miles in Austin into clean water in Burundi.”
Elite Athlete Applications
Elite applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on verified race performance and field capacity. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Athletes selected for the elite field will receive instructions to claim their complimentary race entry.
Application deadline: October 10 at Noon CT. Applications may close earlier if the elite field is filled.
Apply: [ELITE APPLICATION LINK] url: https://www.runforthewater.com/elite-athlete-application-r4tw2026
About Run For The Water
The 20th Anniversary Run For The Water takes place Sunday, November 8, 2026, in downtown Austin. The event includes a 10-Miler, 5K, Kids K and Global Run and benefits the Gazelle Foundation’s work providing lasting access to clean water in Burundi.
###
Media Contact:
Media Contact
Courtney Waldren
Executive Director, Gazelle Foundation
courtney@gazellefoundation.org
512-520-6943