Living Water

Team Living Water’s first major event—the annual Chevron Houston Marathon—was a huge success, with more than 70 runners teaming up to raise money and awareness for the world water crisis.

Team Living Water runners, clad in their bright yellow jerseys, gathered at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center on Sunday, January 17th to participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, and the El Paso Corporation 5K (EP5K). Because of the dedication and perseverance of Team Living Water, more than $58,000 has been raised to date for clean water!

Team Living Water consisted of runners from Living Water International’s staff, friends of the organization, and many who simply believe in the cause. Living Water’s Senior Director of Communications, Jonathan Wiles, ran the half-marathon, saying, “It’s great to be able to be involved with the local community in an event that has an impact on the global community.”

Each member of Team Living Water raised awareness and funding as part of “Run for a Reason,” the Chevron Marathon’s initiative for linking runners with a local non-profit organization. 2010 was Living Water’s first year to take part in this program. Matt Morris, Team Living Water’s top fundraiser, ran the full marathon and raised more than $12,000.

Cheryl Thornton, Living Water’s Director of Special Events, called the race “a huge success—one that will be even better next year.” Already well over the original fundraising goal of $50,000, Living Water anticipates more funds coming in through the February 15th deadline.

“Our team morale was incredible, and the energy they brought really spread through the entire marathon. People who weren’t even a part of Team Living Water stopped by the past-race party tent to show their support, ask questions, and even express interest in joining next year’s team,” Cheryl notes. “We built a lot of momentum with this first race. It was a great day.”

Being part of Team Living Water is your chance to be an advocate for the thirsty. Educate yourself about the global water crisis and what you can do about it here. Help us spread the word about clean water, and join Team Living Water for next year’s marathon on January 30, 2011!