Paul Pugh, a race and foundation co-founder, was among the core individuals involved in creating and launching the Gazelle Foundation in partnership with Gilbert Tuhabonye. He was on the 23-mile training run in 2006 with fellow co-founders Peter Rauch and Gilbert Tuhabonye where the idea for creating a nonprofit foundation dedicated to changing lives in Burundi with clean water began to take shape. Read more about the founding of the race.
GILBERT’s friendship with Paul Pugh
Gilbert made many close friends in the running community when he arrived in Austin all those years ago when he was first working with Paul Carrozza with Run Tex. “Paul Pugh is a designer who did our first logo with a circle and mountains,” says Gilbert. “He is muzungo - a funny word that means he was the first white person to meet my mom in Burundi.”
A board member in those early years, Paul was among the small group who traveled to Burundi with Gilbert to set up a now long-running partnership with local communities.
Though Paul is now based in Japan where he is a founder and chief designer for Airline, the two continue to stay in touch. At the 15-year anniversary of the Run For The Water, Paul and Gilbert ran together virtually to celebrate because there was a 14-hour time difference.
A Conversation with Run Co-Founder PAUL PUGH
As a Gazelle Foundation co-founder and fellow running enthusiast, we asked Paul about Run For The Water and its 20-year legacy.
Do you have a favorite memory from Run for the Water from one of the early years?
Funny memory…One of my earliest Run For The Water memories is a resident who was furious about the street closures and determined to let us know about it. Thankfully, we've had far more smiles than complaints over the years.
I have to think the first year we had the Burundian drummers, the atmosphere of the race was so unique and special.
Gilbert stands with a troupe of Burundian dancers from one of the early Run For The Water races. Their rhythmic beats at the finish line welcome each finisher with celebration and joy.
What do you think people don’t understand about the opportunity to bring clean water to Burundi?
That clean water is important, but the reallocation of time currently spent carrying water several times a day is as or more impactful. Particularly for women.
What do you wish people knew about Burundi and our mission to build clean water systems?
Burundi is literally one of the poorest places in the world. There are very few ways to escape the poverty and hardship. Access to clean water is an overlooked but important part of raising people’s quality of life. The impact far outweighs the costs.
Children gather around the new clean water tap stand that is carefully tucked between agricultural fields. Women and children are charged with fetching water. Access to clean water saves time and means children are healthier and have more time to attend school.
Why should everyone sign up for Run For The Water?
It’s a great race of course and has made significant impact on people’s lives. It can’t be overstated that the positive outcomes, running this race, you actually are DOING SOMETHING. The impact is real.
What makes the 10-mile course and event special?
The course is hard, fast, but also punishing. I never broke an hour on it.
Note: This second year, we’ll be hosting a special hill challenge award to keep you motivated on Austin’s famous, scenic hills that hug the lake on the westernmost part of the course.
Any run advice to share?
If you want to win, a sound strategy is to start fast, keep going fast and finish fast. If you don’t care about winning, then just enjoy your fellow runners, beautiful Austin, and this great event and cause.
Join Austin's 20th Anniversary Run For The Water
Find out why Austin runners come back year after year for a morning of remembrance, grit, and celebration. This race starts on First Street and ends with Burundian drumming performance and Finish Line festival on the First Street Bridge. Where else do you have the chance to follow Lady bird Lake through downtown Austin and make a huge difference for families like yours.
Assemble your team and sign up today for 20th annual Run For The Water 5K, 10 Miler, and Kids K, happening on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Be part of something bigger and help us reach across the ocean to help our Burundian neighbors. Want to do more, partner with us.
Continue Exploring Burundi & Clean Water
Although one of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi is a land of verdant hills, welcoming people, and a joyful culture. Learn more about this East African country and how clean water systems break the cycle of poverty and poor health.
Learn the seven steps we take to build a sustainable clean water system in a place where electricity and WiFi is not guaranteed
Learn more about Burundi’s royal drumming tradition
See what Burundians say about the clean water systems they partner with us to build and maintain
See the impact we have made in 20 years thanks to supporters like you!
WE CAN SOLVE THE WATER CRISIS IN BURUNDI.
IT ALL STARTS RIGHT HERE - WITH YOU.
Burundi needs us and we need you. Each of our events is an opportunity to provide clean water to those who need it most. Join our mailing list, get involved, and help us transform lives in Burundi.
The Gazelle Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Water tap stands like these are spread around Burundian communities close to homes, churches, schools, clinics, and markets.