St. Michael's Community Answers the Call to "Run for the Water"

The average Burundian walks three miles every day for water. The Gazelle Foundation is trying to change that with its “Run for the Water” events. For the third time in as many years, students, parents and faculty donated to the fundraiser, ran the course, or volunteered at the Austin event on November 3, raising over $1600.

To simulate the daily journey of many Burundians, three teams are invited to walk the race's 5K route carrying water jugs that can weigh 30-40 pounds.

“It was a fun race, and it was motivating to see people out there carrying heavy water on the race course. It was awesome to see all the people come out and run together,” junior Addie Earley said.

Burundi, a landlocked African country of nearly 11 million people, suffers from wide-spread infectious disease due to poor quality water, a leading cause of death and high infant mortality.

According to their website, for each registration in the 10-Miler or 5K, the Gazelle Foundation is able to ensure one person in Burundi access to clean drinking water for the rest of his or her life.
The “Run for the Water” event not only allows our St. Michael's community to work together toward a common goal, but it allows us to participate in our local and global community as well,” said staff member Jessica Shafran, who ran the 10-Miler.

A friend and visitor to St. Michael’s, co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye was on hand, along with African drummers, to congratulate finishers at the end of the course.

“It was a great race. I set a goal for myself before I ran it, and I accomplished that goal.  I also felt like I was making a contribution to the race cause. It was great to be active for a good cause,” junior Anna Usleman said.
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