The Run For The Water course begins in downtown Austin and heads west through Tarrytown and the rolling hills of West Austin before finishing flat and fast back near the lakefront. The 10-miler earns its reputation with genuine elevation challenges in the middle miles \u2014 a beloved 600-meter Hill Challenge section pits runners in a sprint up a notable incline, with winners crowned in a dedicated ceremony. The 5K and Kids K offer equally scenic routes accessible to all fitness levels.<\/p>\n
The 2026 edition takes place Sunday, November 8, with the 10-miler and 5K starting at 7:00 a.m. and the Kids K at 9:15 a.m. The start\/finish area is located near downtown Austin’s waterfront. As the 20th anniversary race, special milestone recognition is planned for long-time participants. Day-of packet pickup is available at the start line from 5:45\u20136:45 a.m. for runners who registered online.<\/p>\n
Every registration dollar goes directly to the Gazelle Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by Ethiopian running legend Derartu Tulu to bring clean water systems to communities in Burundi \u2014 one of the world’s least developed countries. Since the race’s founding, it has raised millions of dollars that have provided safe water access to hundreds of thousands of people. Running this race means every mile has meaning beyond the finish line.<\/p>\n
The Run For The Water is a core event in the Austin Distance Challenge series, serving as the second race in the multi-month challenge that culminates with the Austin Marathon. The November date offers some of Austin’s best running weather, with cool mornings and clear skies. The combination of challenging hills, a beautiful West Austin course, and genuine charitable impact makes this one of the most meaningful races on the Texas calendar.<\/p>\n
Register at raceroster.com<\/a> or visit gazellefoundation.org<\/a>. 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