Q&A

What is Run For Water?

Run For Water is a premier community running event open to individuals of every age and ability. Three runs will be held on May 30th including a Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10km, and a 5km Fun Run geared towards younger runners.

Who is Run For Water Society?

Run For Water Society is an Abbotsford based nonprofit society dedicated to staging a high-caliber running event. The directors of Run For Water share the goal of promoting healthy physical activity and community spirit as well as raising funds for clean water development in under-privileged communities.

Our directors are a small group of local people dedicated to our goals. We're all volunteers, and we're all trying to give something back to the community of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley. We're passionate about staging an exciting community event that is both local and global in focus. All of us are long-term residents of Abbotsford and we come from a variety of personal experiences and occupations.

Where will the run take place?

All three runs will start and finish at Mill Lake Park. Participants will run through part of the city before heading out into the surrounding countryside.

The ½ Marathon and 10 km distances promise to be high calibre races with chip timing and well-controlled courses featuring some of Abbotsford's most scenic vistas.

The 5 km Fun Run will also be chip timed and is a family-oriented event that will allow people of all ages and abilities to participate.

How has the community responded?

Response has been overwhelmingly positive. The city has been very helpful in making the arrangements, and a number of local businesses have come to the table with both money and promotional help. Notably, the Running Room is helping us promote and prepare our event, and we're grateful for their involvement. Runners, too, are making plans to participate, and we're anticipating many hundreds to come out on May 30th. It's going to be a great success.

What does the name, Run For Water mean?

The name, Run For Water, comes from our affiliation with the designated charity, Hope International Development Agency. This registered Canadian charity has been actively working in Eastern Africa setting up and installing fresh water delivery systems to numerous impoverished villages. Any funds raised over and above the cost of staging Run For Water will be donated to Hope International. The funds will then be used to build wells and construct water mains in villages in Ethiopia.

Why a run?

Staging a high quality premier road running race is a great way to draw a community together by getting involved in a fun, healthy and meaningful event. Between runners, volunteers, and spectators the event will draw thousands of people together to promote a healthy lifestyle and the chance to make a difference in the world. It will also be a showcase for the City of Abbotsford.

Why a half marathon?

Abbotsford and the surrounding region already holds a number of road races throughout the year of 10km or less. A half marathon is the next step for many runners. It is a challenging, yet attainable distance that will take hard work and training to complete.

How can people get involved?

We have opportunities for everyone to be involved. If you're a runner, or if you'd like to become one, sign up for one of the runs and start training. You can use one of our training schedules on the website or plug into a Running Room clinic to get ready.

If you're not a runner, we'd love for you to get involved. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities which you can see on our website. This event needs the whole community behind it.

If you're a local business, we'd love to partner with you to execute this event by signing you up as a sponsor. It's a great chance to give to the community as well as promote your business.

How can people find out more?

They can visit our website, www.runforwater.ca, for more information on the run, our cause, and the charity we partner with, as well as both sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. We encourage visitors to the site to email one of the directors if they have any questions.