Gazelle Foundation’s Mission

The Gazelle Foundation knows that clean water is the key to life. But no one knows this better than the people of Burundi. For more than 13.2 million people, access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education, and most of all: hope.

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 that need it most. Connect to our community here in order to transform lives in a community in Burundi.

*Gilbert Tuhabonye celebrates the funding of water systems for two communities at the 2025 Spring For The Water Gala.*

Spring For The Water is one of the signature events for the Gazelle Foundation in its mission to bring more clean water to rural Burundi, East Africa. Co-founded by award-winning professional runner, coach and genocide survivor Gilbert Tuhabonye wanted to share forgiveness and bring hope to his birth country where more than 85% of Burundians live in the countryside with little access to clean water.

At the Gala, Gazelle Foundation Co-Founder Gilbert Tuhabonye shared personal stories about growing up in Burundi and his pride in seeing what the water systems built by the Gazelle Foundation mean to communities. He says, “Seeing the water projects were incredible with water flowing from the taps. I reflect on the beauty and lives transformed.”

One Race. A Lifetime of Change.

Run for The Water, for 19 years running, the Gazelle Foundation has thrown the best race in town.

You can give clean drinking water for life to someone in Burundi, Africa just by registering for the 2025 Run for the Water, in either the 5K, 10-mile, or Kids K race. Race day is Sunday, November 9, 2025.

For those who prefer to participate in a virtual event, our Global Run is available. Event Details & Sponsorship Opportunities: Run For The Water.

Gilbert’s Story Inspires

Gilbert Tuhabonye is a beloved role model, coach and an inspiration to people all over the world. He is also a genocide survivor.

On October 21, 1993, Gilbert, then a high school junior with a promising running career, narrowly escaped a massacre at his school during Burundi’s civil war. He endured unbearable torture, witnessed mass murder, and literally ran from that horror into a new life.

Today, more than 8,000 miles from Burundi, Gilbert is a retired professional runner and former NCAA All American, as well as a philanthropist, author, and community leader in Austin, where his lives with his wife and daughters. In additional to co-founding the Gazelle Foundation, Gilbert is owner and founder of Gilbert’s Gazelles, one of Austin’s foremost running training groups, and head cross-country and track coach at St. Andrew’s High School.

While Gilbert’s story includes great tragedy, it is also one of hope and resilience. His story of suffering and faith, his incredible work ethic, and infectious enthusiasm have inspired countless individuals to be the best possible versions of themselves. He is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, and living proof that one person can make the world a better, more compassionate place. Learn more about Gilbert’s story: