Run For The Water is owned and operated by the Gazelle Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) since 2006. The Gazelle Foundation is dedicated to providing clean water to the people of Burundi, Africa. Clean water provides a path out of poverty, bringing access to better health, stronger communities, jobs, education, and most of all: hope.

The Gazelle Foundation has been a registered 501(c)(3) since 2006. According to IRS regulations, we are not permitted to count entry fees as donations. However, any donations made along with your registration at the time of race signup or in addition to it through our fundraising portal are fully tax-deductible. For runners who add a donation at the time of race registration, you will receive confirmation of your donation in your confirmation email. 

To learn more about the Gazelle Foundation, visit our website hereto see why water matters, how we deliver clean water, and our impact. And, be sure to , or follow us on, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Yes. While fundaising is not required for our charitable race, we encourage fundraising to amplify our impact. We provide all the tools you need to get started. Learn how here. All proceeds go toward our mission to build clean water systems in Burundi.

This year is our 20th year to hold Run For The Water, a charitable road race that benefits the Gazelle Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to bring clean water to the people in Burundi. The race was inspired by Gilbert Tuhabonye’s experience as an award-winning runner, coach, and genocide survivor and his belief that everyone deserves clean water. Watch our video narrated by Gilbert Tuhabonye to discover how the event significantly contributes to our cause, and what you can do to help our friends in Burundi, Africa. Read the longer story about how the race got its start here.

You can register for 2026 HERE.

10-Miler: 13 years

• 5K: 6 years

• Kids K: no minimum (we welcome babies in strollers for this event!)

• Global Run: no minimum

In 2025 Run For The Water introduced a new way to run with joy and purpose: the inaugural Hill Challenge, Powered by lululemon. This friendly competition to be the fastest on 600 meter segment of the 10-mile course celebrates strength, joy, and determination—all in support of providing clean water for life to communities in Burundi. No additional registration is required, it's automatic for all 10-milers.

Every step up a hill here shortens the walk for someone in Burundi — from four miles to just 400 meters. Learn more >>

All registered participants receive a 10-week training plan prescribed by Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye.

In-person participants get the full Run For The Water race-day experience: race bib, collectible race shirt, complimentary photos, Burundian drummers and dancers, and a Finish Line Festival with food and beverage trailers, Kids Area activities and more. And for our 20th year, the finisher medal is back—the perfect finishing touch to your race-day victory. Thanks to Official Medal Partner Prime Tint & PPF, medals are fully funded so more race revenue can support clean water in Burundi.

Kids K participants get a finisher medal plus race-day cape.

Global Run (virtual) participants get an exclusive, custom-illustrated Run For The Water scarf created for this milestone year. Global Run packages begin shipping after November 16.

As stated at the time of registration, Run For The Water is unable to offer any form of refund or transfer of race entry to other runners.

Yes, you can switch from the 10-Miler to the 5K, however we do not refund the difference in your registration fee. Email us at info@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events.

Yes, you can switch from the 5K to the 10-Miler, but you will have to pay the difference in fee at the time you switch. Email us at r4tw@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events.

Yes, you may request a switch to the virtual Global Run by emailing r4tw@gazellefoundation.org. **Please note that when switching to the Global Run you will receive a Global Run packet by mail instead of an in-person packet and t-shirt at Packet Pickup. Global swag differs from in person swag.

Yes, you can switch from Global Run to either the 10-Miler to the 5K in Austin, but you will need to pay the difference in fee at the time you switch. Email us at r4tw@gazellefoundation.org if you would like to switch events. If you switch races, you will not receive the Global Run finisher swag.

We have a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions page devoted to our Global Run, which can be run or walked up to a week ahead of November 8 or on November 8, 2026. It's a great option to be part of our movement for change if you can't make it to Austin, are traveling, or are based anywhere in the world.

20th Anniversary Run For The Water, has competitive fields in both the 5K and 10-Miler—including the RRCA 10-Mile Championship.

Think you belong up front? Learn more about the appplication process, key dates etc here

Order yours during race registration, or click here. Supply is limited. Reserve yours, collect it in November during packet pick up at Karavel.

**Hat pick up is available during packet pick up only.

We are excited to welcome groups of all kinds to this year's Run For The Water. Corporate organizations, School groups, Run clubs, Friend groups, the more the merrier!

Run For The Water creates an atmosphere for group bonding and relationship building, not only on race day but throughout the training journey. At our charity run every step shortens the walk to water for someone in Burundi — from four miles to just 400 meters.

**New this year: Reserved spot at the Finish Line Festival. We have a limited supply available. Let's get started! Email us: r4tw@gazellefoundation.org

Training together toward a common goal can help you attract and retain talent, boost camaraderie and community impact. If your company or organization has multiple locations, our Global Run is available too, it can be run or walked from anywhere on the globe. The in-person event will happen Sunday, Nov 8th in Austin, Texas.

Companies can purchase entries for the in-person event and/or the Global Run. Contact us to get started. We'll work with you to customize a plan to fit your goals. You will have options such as:

• purchasing entries individually,
• paying one invoice as a group, or
• splitting the cost 50/50 between the organization and the employee.

With our distances of a 5k, 10-miler, Kids K, and the Global run, there's truly something for everyone!

**New this year: Reserved spot at the Finish Line Festival. We have a limited supply available. Let's get started! Email us: r4tw@gazellefoundation.org

All registered runners receive our Ultimate Training Plan created by Coach Gilbert Tuhabonye. Run For The Water is a great race to challenge and celebrate you as a runner and athlete.

Training plans were emailed to registered participants on August 25. If you registered after August 25, your training plan is included in your registration confirmation email.

The 10-week plan will guide you how to improve strength, build endurance, and run smarter with a variety of runs designed to make sure you feel ready for race day. But most importantly, it will help you learn to celebrate the starting line so you can feel amazing as you run towards the finish line.

We know running isn’t the only thing on your to-do list, this Training Plan is designed to meet you where you start, whether you're training for the 5k or 10-miler. Each week gives you guided Runs—from Recovery Runs to Speed Workouts and Long Runs. It also gives recovery and cross training tips, nutrition and midset advice, plus exclusive offers from our incredible partners. We’re your biggest fan! We'll meet you on the starting line.

Training plans will be distributed in late August. Runners who register before 8/28/2026 will receive their training plan via email, to the address entered during race registration. Runners who register on or after 08/28/2026 will receive their training plan in your race confirmation email. Have questions? We're here to help, email us at: r4tw@gazellefoundation.org

Training runs are free. We want you to have your best race yet. Level up with our supported training runs, hosted by our incredible partners! Click here to see full schedule, we also share this information on our social channels!

Get weekly shoutouts, motivation in a supportive community, and fun challenges along the way! Join our club!

What: 3-Mile Shakeout Run

Race weekend starts at Karavel.

Join us Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 AM at Karavel Shoes, our Official Packet Pick Up Location and host of the Run For The Water Shake Out Run.

Get your race packet, get in your shake out miles, and stick around for the fun. Tiny Truck Music will be DJing the morning, with food and coffee, partner demos, giveaways, cheer sign making and exclusive race-weekend perks.

November 7 | 8:00–10:00 AM | Karavel Shoes

Stay tuned for RSVP details

All paces welcome!

TBD, check back for more info!

Find Photos and Results here.

Timing issue contact form

Awards will be presented in the Winners Circle beginning at 8:30am. Winners Circle is located within the Finish Line Festival. See Participant guide for festival layout. There will also be maps and signage on the bridge.

Overall Awards will be presented at the Winners Circle in the following categories 10-Miler: M/F/Non-Binary and Masters winners 5K: M/F/Non-Binary and Masters winners

The top TWO Age Group will be mailed beginning Nov 17th.

RRCA Awards will be presented in Winners Circle Overall: M/F • Masters (40+): M/F • Grand Masters (50+): M/F • Grand Senior Masters (60+): M/F

The Hill Challenge Awards will be presented in the Winners Circle Austin’s hills meet Burundi’s mountains in this powerful partnership. Awards will be presented in the following categories: • Overall: M/F/Non-Binary winners • Masters (40-59): M/F/Non-Binary winners • Grand Master (60+): M/F/Non-Binary winners

Race Day is Sunday, November 8, 2026 in Downtown Austin, TX.

The 5K and 10 Miler races start at 7:00 am. The Kids K starts at 9:15 am.

The 5K and 10 Miler races start just East of Lamar and end on the South First Street Bridge. The Start Line and Finish Line are about ½ mile from each other.

The Kids K starts at the Run For The Water Finish Line on the north end of the South First Street Bridge at the intersection of Cesar Chavez.

You can find course maps for each event HERE.

Yes, You can, walk run, or skip. The race course limit is 3 hours, at which time the course will re-open to vehicle traffic. 

Yes, strollers are permitted, but please start near the back to ensure the safety of all participants. While children in strollers do not need to be registered, additional donations are always appreciated; every $30 raised provides clean water to life for someone in Burundi. 

No. However, we do encourage you to ride your bike to the event as there is ample bike parking avaliable near the start & finish lines.

No. We aks that you leave your furry friends at home due to the tripping hazard created by leashes in large crowds of runners. 

Yes! We have many volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups throughout the race weekend. See shifts and register here. Registration is required. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and a huge thank you from our community and our beneficiaries in Burundi!

Volunteer Questions? Email us at volunteer@gazellefoundation.org, we're here to help!

Volunteer and earn service hours! Get your friends and crew to sign up too!

If the company that you work for or a business that you own is interested in either becoming a partner please email us: info@gazellefoundation.org