Every year, people sign up for Run For The Water for different reasons.
Some are looking for a new challenge. Others come back year after year. Many are invited by a friend, coworker, family member, or professor who says, "You've got to do this race."
So we looked back at what participants had to say.
One thing became clear: they weren't just talking about a race—they were talking about a day they loved. From the electric energy at the starting line and the challenge of the hills to the Burundian drummers, high-fives, and finish line celebration, their advice was simple: train for the course, bring your people, and don't miss it.
Here's what they want you to know before November 8.
A TRaining Plan Is Included
The advice that came up over and over: don't wait to start training.
That's why every registered participant receives Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye's complimentary 10-week training plan, delivered via email the last week of August.
Whether running the 10-Miler, taking on the 5K, or preparing for your first race, the plan helps you build confidence week by week with training schedules, tips from Coach Gilbert, invitations to community training runs, and exclusive participant perks.
Catherine Helton says it best:
"Start training now! If someone like myself can do it after walking her first full marathon at age 47, anyone can do it!"
You Belong Here
This surprised us as we read through participant’s advice. Very few people talked about finish times.
Instead, they talked about atmosphere, energy, and the feeling of crossing the finish line knowing every mile helps bring clean water to communities in Burundi.
Leann Castillo’s advice:
"Your first race is jarring, but try not to overthink or feel self-conscious. Everyone is there to have fun."
Lauren Black says:
"Just sign up and let yourself enjoy the experience. Don't worry about being the fastest or having it all figured out."
Molly Kert says:
"You can do hard things! When you are running uphill, forget about pace—try and keep the same intensity even if that means speed walking. And just remember, runners welcome AND walkers welcome ;)”
Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking with friends, running your first race, or coming back for another year, there's a place for you at Run For The Water.
Join us on November 8. Register today, and when training begins at the end of August, Coach Gilbert's complimentary 10-week training plan will arrive in your inbox.
FEEL THE ENERGY
From the start corral to the finish line festival, race weekend is packed with moments you'll never forget.
Pam Monroe says:
"Standing in the start corral as the sun rises over downtown Austin is pure magic. The energy is electric, the course will push you, and crossing the finish line is a feeling you'll never forget. You'll be so glad you were part of it."
Natalie Ortiz says:
"Be prepared for a fun environment. It's so exciting you could get by without music or headphones!"
Emma Garcia has this advice:
"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!"
The Hills Are Worth It
If you're tackling the 10-Miler, there's one thing participants agree on: train for the hills.
Larry Biegert recommends mixing hill work into your routine.
"Training should include hill work and some sprints. Don't start too fast either. It's ten miles with hills."
Maslin Redett offers:
"I would make sure to incorporate hills into your weekly running schedule. Better yet, follow Gilbert's training plan and you'll be ready come race day!"
Mike Boyle agrees.
"Like most races in Austin, don't forget to do hill training if you are doing the 10-Miler!"
Chris Schrader keeps it simple:
"Pace yourself early on in that 10-Miler. Those hills are real."
Better Together
Some of the best Run For The Water memories start with the people beside you.
Emily Smith's advice is simple:
"My favorite training advice is to find a group to run with. @ATXRUNGUIDE has the most comprehensive list of free clubs in the Austin area. You have no excuse to not find one that fits your schedule/location."
Whether you join one of our community training runs, start a team, invite your coworkers, or make it a family tradition, you'll find plenty of ways to connect before race day. New events are added throughout the season, so be sure to check out our Community Events page.
Already have friends or family outside Austin? Invite them to be part of the Global Run and share race day from wherever they are.
One thing participants told us again and again: Run For The Water is more fun when you share it. Start or Join a Team
Remember your Why
When you need motivation, remember what every mile makes possible.
As Co-Founder Gilbert Tuhabonye says,
"I love seeing people come together on race day. As a runner participating, you're giving someone clean water for life."
Every registration helps the Gazelle Foundation build sustainable, spring-fed water systems in rural Burundi, bringing clean water closer to homes, schools, churches, and medical clinics.
Andi Gillentine says remembering the mission helped motivate her through training and race day:
>> Watch Co-Founder Gilbert Tuhabonye share how every Run For The Water registration helps bring clean water closer to families in Burundi.
"Practice running hills! 5K or 10 miler both have some! And watch the Gazelle Foundation videos of people getting water to remember why we do it!"
Luis Basto puts it this way:
"Make the training distance a little longer, add in some hills, and of course a great cause like helping people get clean water is enough to make Run For The Water one of the best events in Austin."
You're not just training for a finish line.
Every registration helps bring clean water closer to families in rural Burundi—shortening the walk for water from hours to minutes, and from miles to just a few hundred meters.
Water close to school means children attend class healthy and hydrated.
See You at the Starting Line
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Choose your distance
5K
10-Miler
KidsK
Global Run
Every registration includes
Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye's complimentary 10-week training plan
Access to community training runs and events
Exclusive participant perks and partner offers
A great race with a real impact.
Join us for our 20th anniversary celebration. Bring a friend. Start a team. Make it a day you'll be talking about long after you cross the finish line.
Register today. We'll see you on November 8.
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.
