In honor of Global Run Day and the 20th anniversary of Run For The Water, we're sharing 20 facts about clean water, Burundi, and the impact this community has made possible.
Yesterday, runners around the world celebrated Global Run Day — a day dedicated to the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
At the Gazelle Foundation, Global Run Day means something more.
For 20 years, the Run For The Water community has transformed miles into clean water, bringing hope, health, and opportunity to families in Burundi. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Run For The Water, we're sharing 20 facts that remind us why this community continues to show up year after year.
Every mile hits different when it helps bring clean water to families in Burundi.
Some people run for medals. Our community runs for something bigger: clean water, community, and a finish line with purpose.
Waterborne diseases remain one of the leading causes of illness and death in Burundi.
Austin and Burundi are separated by 8,530 miles—but for 20 years, Run For The Water has connected those two places through the simple act of running.
Our clean water systems reduce the average daily trek for water by nearly four miles round trip.
Global Run Day is the perfect excuse to run with friends and feel heroic before breakfast.
Nothing bonds people faster than hills, sweat, and a finish line that changes lives.
Access to clean water helps children spend more time in school and less time collecting water.
Burundi is one of the most mountainous countries in Africa, making every water project an engineering challenge.
Run For The Water turns personal accomplishment into lasting impact for entire communities.
Coffee always tastes better after a morning run.
Knowing your miles matter makes it taste even better.
Clean water reduces waterborne disease and helps save lives.
Every water system we build creates jobs using local labor and local materials.
Since our work began, Gazelle Foundation projects have created 5,651 jobs in Burundi.
Every dollar invested in clean water can generate up to $12 in economic impact for communities.
In 2025 alone, our supporters helped bring clean water access to 6,600 additional people.
This year, we've completed two major water systems and started construction on two more.
Together, we've helped provide clean water access to 144,560 people.
We've invested more than $3 million in clean water infrastructure across Burundi.
The Real Magic of Run For The Water
The numbers are impressive, but they aren't what keeps people coming back.
What keeps runners returning year after year is the community.
It's the sunrise starts. The friendships built on training runs. The Burundian drummers at the finish line. The volunteers. The families. The feeling of accomplishing something difficult while knowing your effort helped make life better for someone else.
For 20 years, Run For The Water has proven that a race can be more than a race.
It can be a movement.
It can be a community.
It can be clean water, clear futures, and lives changed forever.
As we celebrate Global Run Day and look ahead to the 20th anniversary of Run For The Water on November 8, thank you to every runner, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and supporter who has helped turn miles into clean water.
Because when this community runs, lives change.
Join Us for the 20th Anniversary Run For The Water
For 20 years, this community has proven that a run can be more than a race. It can bring clean water closer to home for families in Burundi, create jobs, improve health, and open doors for future generations.
On November 8, we'll gather once again in Austin to celebrate two decades of miles that matter—and to take the next step toward a future where everyone has access to clean water.
Whether you're a longtime participant or considering your first Run For The Water, there's a place for you at the start line.
Register today and be part of the next chapter of this incredible story. Together, we can turn every mile into lasting impact.