FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For the first time in a decade, Run For The Water finishers will have some hardware to show for those miles.
AUSTIN, Texas — The hills. The miles. That finish-line feeling. This year, there’s something extra waiting on the other side.
The medals are back.
Every in-person 10-Miler, 5K and Kids K finisher will earn a custom Run For The Water medal on November 8—something to put around your neck after you put in the miles.
And there’s a little extra shine to this one. After a decade of choosing clean water over race-day hardware, Run For The Water is bringing medals back for a milestone year. The 20th Anniversary medal is a one-year-only chance for finishers to celebrate their victory with something they can take home.
The medal is made possible by Prime Tint & PPF, Exclusive Sponsor of the 20th Anniversary Finisher Medal.
“Twenty years ago, we asked Austin to run with us so families in Burundi could have clean water. Look what we’ve done together!” said Gilbert Tuhabonye, co-founder of Run For The Water and the Gazelle Foundation. “More than 152,000 people in Burundi now have clean water, and every runner who has taken part in this race is part of that incredible legacy. As a runner and a coach, I know what it takes to get to that start line, run those miles and make it to the finish. This year, when you cross onto the First Street Bridge, be proud! Celebrate your accomplishment, celebrate your victory, get your medal and know that your miles are helping change lives. That is the joy of Run For The Water.”
For the past decade, Run For The Water has intentionally put those dollars toward clean water rather than finisher medals. That commitment hasn’t changed. Prime Tint & PPF stepped up to make the medal possible—giving runners some well-earned hardware while keeping race proceeds focused on clean water and bright futures.
“Whether you’re chasing a PR, racing a new distance or just having a great day challenging yourself, crossing that finish line is a victory,” said Mason Wheeless, Race Director of Run For The Water. “The medal is the icing on top—hardware to celebrate what you accomplished. I can’t think of a better year to bring them back.”
"Anyone who has trained for a race knows how much dedication and hard work goes into reaching the finish line. We're excited to help recognize that accomplishment with a special keepsake created exclusively for the 20th Anniversary of Run For The Water, said Alexis and Ruben St Clair, Owners, Prime Tint & PPF. “We are excited to be part of such a meaningful milestone year and support an event that creates lasting impact through clean water."
The medal won’t be the only thing waiting on the other side of the finish line. Runners will roll straight into the Run For The Water Finish Line Festival with food and drinks, Burundian drummers and dancers, awards, family friendly activities, and plenty of reasons to stick around and celebrate.
“I can’t wait to see everyone at the finish line—medals around their necks, Burundian drums playing and everyone celebrating together,” Tuhabonye added. “It’s going to be something special. You want to be there for this one!”
Run For The Water returns Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, with the 10-Miler, 5K and Kids K.
The miles are yours. The finish is yours. This year, there’s some hardware waiting for you.
ABOUT RUN FOR THE WATER
Run For The Water is the signature race of the Gazelle Foundation. Since 2006, runners, volunteers, partners and supporters have helped the Foundation bring clean water access to more than 152,000 people in Burundi through sustainable, gravity-fed water systems built with local workers.
One Race. A Lifetime of Change.
RUN FOR THE WATER
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Austin, Texas
10-Miler | 5K | Kids K | Global Run
One Race. A Lifetime of Change.
Registration and information: RunForTheWater.com
ABOUT THE GAZELLE FOUNDATION
The Gazelle Foundation works to improve lives in Burundi by providing access to clean water through the construction of gravity-fed water systems. Working alongside communities and employing local workers, the Foundation builds sustainable systems designed for local ownership and long-term use.
Media Contact
Courtney Waldren
Executive Director, Gazelle Foundation
courtney@gazellefoundation.org
512-520-6943
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