Run for the Water Race in Austin to Benefit Burundi’s Clean Water Initiative

A charity race in Austin, Run for the Water, returns on November 3, for its 18th year, raising funds to bring clean water to communities in Burundi, East Africa. The event, organized by the Gazelle Foundation, features a 10-mile race, 5K, and Kids K, drawing participants from across Central Texas. The race aims to provide life-saving access to clean water in Burundi, where most of the population faces daily struggles with contaminated water sources.

Gilbert Tuhabonye, a National Champion runner, Olympic torch bearer, author, coach, and genocide survivor, co-founded the Gazelle Foundation with a group of passionate Central Texans. Together, they created the nonprofit to build sustainable clean water systems in Burundi, providing peace, hope, and access to water for communities in need. As Tuhabonye reflects, “The work of the foundation is making a huge difference. Growing up, I used to run to fetch water before and after school. The time saved with access to clean water is remarkable.”

Peter Rauch, president and co-founder, recalls the race’s origins: “The idea for the foundation came about during a long run. Gilbert was about to go on a book tour, and people kept asking him how they could help. We thought, what if we started a nonprofit to bring clean water to Burundi? That’s how it all began.”

Providing clean water for life

The foundation has since built 71 clean water systems, providing access to more than 134,000 people in rural Burundi. These systems are not wells but spring water captured before it becomes contaminated, using gravity flow to provide clean water at a low cost. 

Rauch emphasized, “What sets us apart is our efficiency. We build collection chambers to capture spring water before it’s contaminated, and we use gravity to distribute it through a simple system of pipes. For every $30 raised, we can provide one person with clean water for life.”

Looking ahead to the race on November 3, Tuhabonye emphasizes the community impact of the event: “We want people to know that when they cross that finish line, a family in Burundi will be getting clean water for life. That’s the message, and that’s what makes me happy.”

Participants can expect the sounds of Burundian drummers at the finish line and family-friendly activities like face painting and crafts. “We want people to feel the connection to Burundi,” said Tuhabonye. “The drummers bring energy, and we want to share our culture and show why this mission is so important.”

Changing lives one step at a time

Rauch noted that the race is about more than the 10-mile or 5K distance. “For every participant in the race, that’s one person in Burundi getting access to clean water. It’s a direct impact,” he said. “We’ve been able to lower the incidence of waterborne diseases dramatically in the regions we serve, and it’s all thanks to events like this.”

For those unable to participate in person, the virtual Global Run allows people to join from anywhere in the world. “You can run from your own hometown and still make a difference,” said Rauch. “We’ve made it easy to register and post your run online, so you’re still part of the movement for clean water.”

The Gazelle Foundation’s work goes beyond just providing water—it improves health, boosts education, and strengthens communities. “When children don’t have to spend hours fetching water, they can go to school. When communities have clean water, the cycle of poverty starts to break,” Tuhabonye said. “It’s about transforming lives.”

Registration for the race is available on their website, and all proceeds will go directly toward building more water systems in Burundi. As Tuhabonye put it, “Every step you take is a step toward change.”

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