2026 event series supports clean water and sanitation projects for students, families and displaced communities

Abbotsford, BC, May 5, 2026 ­– For many families in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, water is not something that comes easily from a tap. It can mean a long and sometimes dangerous walk, often carried by women and girls, to collect water that may still make their families sick.

This May, Run For Water is inviting the Fraser Valley community to turn that daily burden into hope by joining the 2026 Run For Water event series starting with the 5K Fun Run and 10K Run in Mill Lake Park on May 24th.

Under the charity’s theme, Every Step a Ripple, participants can run, walk, ride, volunteer, fundraise or donate to help provide clean water and sanitation solutions for communities in Kasese, Uganda, and Tshikapa and Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Kasese, children walk up to three kilometres to collect unsafe water, contributing to illness, missed school and serious risks for women and girls. Support from Run For Water will help provide rainwater harvesting systems, clean washrooms, girls’ changing rooms and hygiene training for 3,780 students and 4,000 community members.

In Tshikapa, displaced families, returnees and former refugees are struggling with limited and costly access to clean water. Support from Run For Water will help provide deep boreholes, solar powered pumping systems, storage tanks and locally trained committees so safe water can remain affordable and sustainable.

In Kikwit, schools serving displaced children lack safe sanitation. New latrines, handwashing systems and hygiene education will help create healthier, safer and more dignified learning environments for more than 800 students and teachers.

“Many Patrika readers know the importance of seva, serving others with humility, compassion and love,” said Phil Wiens, General Manager of Run For Water. “Run For Water is a simple way to put that compassion into motion. When someone signs up, donates, or invites friends and family to support them, that act can help another family send a child to school, protect a daughter’s dignity, or keep a mother from a dangerous walk for water.”

Founded in Abbotsford, Run For Water has grown from a local road race into a movement of runners, walkers, cyclists, schools, sponsors, volunteers and donors. Since 2008, the organization has raised more than $4 million for clean water projects in some of the most remote and marginalized areas of Africa.

2026 Run For Water Events

Run For Water 5K Fun Run and 10K Run
Mill Lake Park, Abbotsford
Sunday, May 24, 2026
10K Run at 9 a.m.
5K Fun Run at 10 a.m.

Families, walkers, first time runners and competitive runners are all welcome. New for 2026, participants can also join the Virtual Run from anywhere in Canada.

Trail Race 10K, 25K and 50K
Sumas Mountain, Abbotsford
Saturday, May 30, 2026

Trail runners can choose from 10K, 25K or 50K routes on Sumas Mountain, with every registration helping support clean water for families in Uganda and DR Congo.

Ride For Water 22K Family Ride, 55K Medio, 80K Mountain Bike and 100K Epic
Vedder Park, Chilliwack
Saturday, June 20, 2026

Cyclists can take part in a family friendly route or a more challenging gravel or mountain bike adventure through the Chilliwack River Valley.

Event proceeds, donations and fundraising from the Run For Water series will support sustainable clean water and sanitation projects that improve health, education, safety and opportunity for families and children.

“Many of us cannot imagine sending our children to collect water before school, or watching them get sick from the water they drink,” Wiens added. “But we can imagine being part of the solution. That is what Run For Water is about. Ordinary people taking a step that becomes a ripple of change.”

Registration, fundraising and donations are open now at www.runforwater.ca.

About Run For Water

Run For Water is an Abbotsford based registered Canadian charity committed to bringing clean water and lasting hope to communities in need. Since 2008, Run For Water has united runners, walkers, cyclists, schools, volunteers, sponsors and donors to fund sustainable water projects in Africa. Every step, every kilometre and every dollar helps create healthier families, stronger schools and safer futures.