Gilbert Tuhabonye is an inspiring and much-loved Austinite as well as founder of both Gilbert’s Gazelles, a running training group, and the Gazelle Foundation whose mission is to build water
projects in Africa. He arrived in Austin in 2002 after escaping violence in his home country of Burundi in east central Africa. Gilbert applied his love of running in many ways. Beginning at a young age, he ran to the valley’s edge every day to get his family’s water and then ran five miles to school. Gilbert was a national champion runner by 11th grade, and his speed literally saved his life in Africa when his school was attacked during the Burundian Civil War. By 1996, his running skills brought him to the United States as part of an Olympic training program and he earned a track scholarship to Abilene Christian University where he was a national champion runner. Today, Gilbert is a US Citizen and has been voted as Austin Fit Magazine’s “Best Runner” four years in a row (2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014). In addition to Gilbert’s Gazelles, of which a number of Westlake residents and business employees are members, he is also the cross-country track coach at St. Andrews High School.  Gilbert has inspired many by his passion for running and has become one of the most popular running coaches in the Austin area.


The Gazelle Foundation’s Run for the Water, now in its ninth year, remains the premier 10-mile, 5K and Kids’ K in Texas. Everyone who takes part in the race, whether runners, walkers, or as a volunteer, are helping to ensure the continued success of water projects in Burundi, which have thus far guaranteed more than 42,000 citizens access to clean water for the remainder of their life. One runner = one life.

Each registrant for the Run for the Water provides one person in Burundi with access to clean water for life. It truly is that simple. But it doesn’t stop there. Create a team. When you challenge three of your fellow Chamber members, co-workers, neighbors, family or friends to join you, collectively you will change the life of a whole family! Whether you run, walk, or donate, Run for the Water is for those who want to make a difference and save a life.

Inspiring. Motivational. Impactful. This is a luncheon you don’t want to miss. Westlake Community luncheons are always open to the general public and Westlake Chamber of Commerce membership is not required.

 

Tuesday, August 18th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Austin Country Club - Ballroom

 

Reservations Due Thursday, August 13th.