To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Run For The Water, we asked past participants a few questions about the race. Their answers made us laugh, smile, and remember why this community keeps growing.
Gazelle Foundation Co-Founders Gilbert Tuhabonye and Peter Rauch at the starting line in 2025.
Every runner has a story. Ask ten people about Run For The Water, and you'll hear ten different reasons they keep coming back. Some will talk about the challenge. Others will remember the Burundian drummers, the friendships they made training, or the feeling of crossing the finish line. Every story is different, but they all begin in the same place.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Run For The Water, we asked past participants to share what this race has meant to them. Their stories capture the challenge, the celebration, the community, and the impact that reaches far beyond Austin.
Run For The Water returns Sunday, November 8, 2026. Whether you're joining us for the first time or the twentieth, we hope these stories inspire you to be part of the next chapter.
More than just another race
When Mike Boyle thinks about his Run For The Water experience, he remembers the starting line energy, the beauty of the route, and the sound of the Burundian drummers as he approached the finish.
“There was such great energy at the starting line and it was a fun and beautiful route,” he said. “As I approached the finish line, hearing the drums made me smile, gave me energy for that final kick, and reminded me that this was more than just another race.”
That feeling is part of what makes Run For The Water so memorable. The event has all the things runners love — a downtown course, ssupportive crowds, a finish line celebration, and the satisfaction of doing something hard. But there is also a deeper reason behind every mile.
For Edward Burgess, the race felt less like a competition and more like “a joyful celebration of life.”
“The highlight for me was helping push a runner’s wheelchair up one of the hills!” he said. “I don’t know who it was, but it was important for me to give back a little of the joy I was feeling.”
That is Run For The Water in one small, beautiful moment: strangers helping strangers, joy moving through the course, and the reminder that we are all connected.
The Reason We Run
The Gazelle Foundation builds sustainable, spring-fed water systems in rural Burundi, where access to clean water changes daily life for families, schools, churches, and medical clinics.
For many runners, that’s the reason why they sign up.
Larry Biegert approaches the finish line at Run For The Water.
“I love the cause and how Gilbert is giving back to his homeland by employing locals in the villages to build the water systems they will use and maintain,” said Larry Biegert.
Chris Schrader said the race is special because it helps provide “clean water for people in Burundi. Something I, too often, take for granted.”
Molly Kert put it this way: “Clean water is something that so many of us — myself included — take for granted every day. We are so fortunate to have this opportunity to make this a reality for the people of Burundi.”
For Paul Trimble, the connection is simple and powerful. “My entry can bring clean water to one person for life,” he said. “How awesome it is to make a difference in someone’s life?”
That's what Run For The Water has always been about. Sign up. Show up. Run or walk. Bring your people. Together, we'll build water systems that will serve families and communities for generations.
You Belong at The Starting Line
Leann Castillo (right) finishes her first race at Run For The Water 2025.
Whether you're chasing a PR, signing up for your first race, walking with friends, or bringing the whole family, there's a place for you at Run For The Water.
If you show up, you belong.
For Lauren Black it started with signing up:
“It felt like the beginning of something really meaningful,” she said. “Being part of such a special Austin event made the experience even better.”
Leann Castillo remembers it this way:
“It was so much fun! The energy was so high and everyone was so nice,” she said. “The race inspired me to train and join the next run in the fall! I can proudly say now that I am a runner.”
The Hills Everyone Talks About
Ask anyone who's run the 10-Miler, and they'll probably mention the hills. See the course map.
The course winds through Downtown Austin, Tarrytown, and Scenic Drive, the route challenges runners and reward them with some of the best views in the city.
“The hills are a challenge but also my favorite part of this beautiful course,” said Larry Biegert.
Maslin Redett agreed.
“The course was hilly but beautiful,” she said. “My favorite part was the Hill Challenge because the view from Scenic Drive is unbeatable.”
For Rhonda Marple, the hills are part of what makes the race so memorable.
“Much like life, the hills might look daunting from afar, but if you take it one step at a time and be where your feet are, the hills are simply part of the journey!”
Run With Joy
“Run For The Water is always one of my favorite days of the year,” said Gilbert Tuhabonye.
“I love seeing people come together to challenge themselves on our beautiful course. The volunteers, the spectators, the families, and the Burundian drummers make it incredible. Then you reach the finish line on the First Street Bridge with the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake all around you, and everyone celebrates together. Knowing that every runner helps more families in Burundi have clean water for life is what makes this race amazing. I hope everyone will come join us—and Run with Joy.”
“It was one of the nicest, most welcoming starting lines,” said Scott Koumalats. “EVERYONE had a smile on their face. I don’t think mine left the entire race.”
“Joy was in the air, and runners respected the space of one another,” said Gina Foringer. “I just have to return.”
Emma Garcia has one piece of advice for first-time participants:
“Go see the Burundian drummers at the finish line. Also, don’t forget to Run with Joy! Share a smile with someone along the way!”
Runners Come Back Year AFTER YEar
Addison Wetterling’s sister is from Burundi, making this race deeply meaningful for her family.
When Molly Kert signed up for Run For The Water 10-miler, she was taking on a distance she had never run before.
“It turned out to be one of my favorite races ever, and 2026 will be my fourth year running!” she said. “The total energy of the race—the runners, the volunteers, and the awesome sideline support—is what makes this race unforgettable year after year!”
For Rhonda Marple, Run For The Water became part of one of life's biggest milestones. In 2012, race day happened to fall on her wedding day.
“So of course I ran 10 miles the morning of my wedding!” she said. “It made my wedding day even more special and memorable.”
Jacob Wilcox sees Run For The Water as more than a race. “R4TW is a community,” he said. “It opens the eyes of many for running, philanthropy, and global society. Our family loves this race!!”
Addison Wetterling’s connection is deeply personal. “My dad started running the race years ago, but now it’s even more special because my little sister is from Burundi.”
This is how a race becomes a tradition. It becomes part of people’s families, memories, milestones, and stories.
Gilbert Tuhabonye and Bernard Manirakiza during the early years of Run For The Water.
See What Your Miles Make Possible
A young child fetches clean water for his family.
Take a moment to see the impact behind the race. Every Run For The Water registration helps the Gazelle Foundation build sustainable, spring-fed water systems in rural Burundi. These systems do more than bring clean water closer to home. They help improve health, support school attendance, create local jobs, and give families time back in their day.
Watch community members sing their thanks as they celebrate their new clean, water system
Explore each water system we have built with our interactive map
Read about the Musinzira-Mahwa Water System #77 where this photo was taken
When runners show up in Austin, water flows in Burundi. That is the connection at the center of Run For The Water.
Make 2026 Your Year to Run For The Water
The 20th anniversary of Run For The Water is worth celebrating. Join us on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Whether you're returning for another year or signing up for the first time, there's a place for you at the starting line.
Run the 5K. Take on the 10-Miler. Bring the kids for the KidsK. Join the Global Run from wherever you are. Invite your friends. Start a team. Get your company involved.
Every registered participant receives Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye’s 10-week training plan, featuring weekly mileage, training tips, community training runs, exclusive perks, and special offers from our partners to help you prepare for race day.
Ready to make your own Run For The Water story?
One Race. A Lifetime of Change.
WE CAN SOLVE THE WATER CRISIS IN BURUNDI.
Every Registration to Run for the Water Makes a difference!
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.
