The Gazelle Run for the Water, created by ACU alumnus Gilbert Tuhabonye, will use proceeds from the Sunday run in Austin to provide clean water for the people of the nation of Burundi.
Proceeds from the run go to the Gazelle Foundation, which builds water wells overseas.
Tuhabonye founded The Gazelle Foundation in 2006 and this is the 6th year for the Run, which has become one of the most popular runs in Austin. The overwhelming participation over the last five years has enabled the foundation to provide over 11,500 Burundians with access to clean water for the remainder of their lives.
Tunisia Singleton, university relations manager, encourages students to support the race, whether they choose to run or volunteer.
“This is an opportunity for ACU students and alumni to come alongside Gilbert in this great work and encourage him and to have a great time doing it,” said Singleton.
Singleton also mentioned that the Clayton Stewart Band is coming from Abilene to play for the pre-run party that will take place the day before the run. ACU alumnus Mike Mayeux (’87), a gourmet griller, is generously providing the food so that all proceeds will directly benefit the Gazelle Foundation.
Michael Madison, Run for the Water race director, is currently in his third year as director and said the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
“Since 2010 we have almost doubled our participation and made the race the premier fall road running event,” said Madison. “Run for the Water is almost entirely volunteer driven. It’s quite possibly the most rewarding job I can think of, knowing that my hard work, along with the work of hundreds of volunteers, is making a real impact in the lives of people in Burundi.”
The event will begin with a Pre-Run Party, hosted by ACU, on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at Run Tex in Austin. Adults entry fees are $5, children are $3 and children under 2 years old are free. Students can RSVP for the party at www.acu.edu/runthewater and then register to run at www.gazellefoundation.com/runforthewater. There is an ACU discount for students to use, which is R4TWATERACU2012.
