Water run sees thousands of dollars raised for clean water in northern Kenya

A total of 75 wells have been drilled so far which provides water to approximately 75,000 people in the region.

The event gives participants the opportunity to run or walk 3 km, 5 km or 10 km. At Saturday’s event some 150 people took part in the race. Participants started in cohorts and took off in staggered starts to comply with COVID-19 regulations. There were also 13 runners that took part in the raise virtually.

Finishing first in the 5km race was 19-year-old Landon Swartz. Swartz has participated in The Water Run for four years and has garnered quite the impressive track record winning three out of four races. For Swartz, it’s the fun atmosphere coupled with the idea of helping others from another country that keeps him coming back year after year.

“ Probably the values that it is based on like how it is a fundraiser for the people of Africa who don’t have water that we are so gracious to have, so it is just great to see that it is an event that you can enjoy and support something else,” Swartz said.

In the 11 years that the Water Run has taken hold, approximately $750,000 has been raised to support the cause.

Over $85,000 was raised this year alone.

“Our philosophy is, I appreciate the people that run fast, but I really appreciate the people that raise funds towards what we are doing,” McElhinney said.

This years #WaterRun raised over $85,000. All going to drill water wells for the poorest of the poor in Africa. I’m so proud to volunteer at this event every year. Thanks to all the runners and donors! https://t.co/TlrW5USNLR pic.twitter.com/Ukusa7IxKT

— Kim Johnston (@KimJohnston) October 10, 2020

by Tiffany Goodwein

Water run sees thousands of dollars raised for clean water in northern Kenya

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