In 2007 the founding board members of the Run for Water Society conceptualized a unique event to be hosted in Abbotsford, British Columbia.  The vision was to stage a top tier internationally recognized running event that would attract a wide range of participants and athletes and, at the same time, raise awareness – and funds – for people in the developing world who lack one of life’s basic necessities – clean water.  Since 2008, this volunteer board has staged an annual run which has grown to include a gala event, a race expo and extensive involvement with students who learn about what it means to become compassionate global citizens.  All the funds raised – over $1,000,000 to date – go towards helping building clean water projects in some of the most remote and desolate areas of southern Ethiopia.

Why Run For Water?

Runners possess an acute understanding of the importance of hydration – how critical clean drinking water is to sustaining fitness, health and life.  In the developing world, the stakes are much higher.  Estimates are that 1 billion people on our planet do not have access to a reliable source of clean water and that every 19 seconds, a child dies for lack of clean water!  The lack of a water source also means children, particularly young girls, cannot go to school. It means women cannot tend to their family or pursue a livelihood.  Instead they spend their days attending to their daily water needs, frequently walking for hours to fetch water that is unsanitary.  Each May, we encourage people of all ages and abilities to run for “Water” in order to help those in need access safe, clean water sources.  Access to clean water is foundational to securing health, education and economic well-being.  Join us!