VIRGINIA: SALEM HALF MARATHON / 8K
RUNNING WATER FOR THE LIVING WATER began in 2016. Since then, runners and walkers on our team have brought clean water to thousands.
This year, we are participating in the Salem Half Marathon, 8k (approx. 5 miles). and Kids Fun Run in addition to the annual Harrisburg Marathon relay. As individuals, families, friends, and churches, we join together to raise funds for clean water in India and Uganda. Race day is the finale to our fundraising season and a symbolic "crossing of the finish line" as we celebrate what God has done. A few months after the race, runners/walkers and donors will receive a personalized video update featuring the well they helped provide. You're invited to join us!
RACE DAY: OCTOBER 8, 2022
OUR WHY
In communities throughout the world, families just like yours struggle to find clean water or have to live on an insufficient or rationed supply of water. When you fundraise with us, you not only make an impact, but you also get to see the smiles you have brought to a specific village!
Details: Wells are typically dedicated 2-3 months after the race. If you raise enough for a whole well ($2500), we'll send you (or your team) a personalized video* of the dedication, plus pictures, GPS coordinates and various details from the village your well was installed in.
- We work with partners on the ground in India (and more recently, Uganda), to find villages and areas most in need of a clean water source.
- See the video at the top of the page for an example of one of our well dedication celebrations.
- *If you raise funds for a partial well, you will still receive village details and a video, but the video will also thank the other runners whose funds were pooled together with yours.
HOW TO START YOUR FUNDRAISER
Create your own Flipcause fundraiser where supporters can give directly to the cause, and you can easily track goal progress.
We challenge you to set a goal such as $500, $100 per mile, or going BIG to fund a well for $2500*. You can create teams if you plan to raise funds as a group.
Fundraising Ideas
There are endless ways to raise support for a good cause, but we have a few ideas to get you started.
- Use your Skills: Do you have a skill set you could leverage to bring hope? Lawn care or yard work, music lessons, hair or makeup services, childcare and handmade products can all be offered for donations.
- Sponsorship: Do you know a business or resturaunt owner who may be interested in supporting your cause with a sponsorship package? See more details in the Sponsorship section of this page.
- Giving Up to Give Back: Is there something you could give up for a few weeks (Coffee run, ordering takeout, a subscription service, etc) to contribute to your cause?
- Special Occasions: On your birthday, anniversary, or Christmas, ask family and friends for donations instead of gifts
- Friendly Competition: Start an office, family or Vacation Bible School penny war to see which team can gather the most change.
- Dare for a Cause: Adventurous types may enjoy a "Dare" style campaign, such as promising to shave your beard, get a pie in the face or record yourself lip-syncing a song if supporters help you reach your donation goal.
Printable Fundraising Letters and Materials
CELEBRATING WITH US ON RACE DAY
By joining in existing races, we are able to keep costs low and send maximum funds directly to clean water. This year, you're invited to join us as we celebrate the finale of fundraising season at the Salem Half Marathon/8k. By running or walking 5 miles or the half marathon, we will symbolically take on the miles that families no longer have to travel in search of a water source.
Event Signup and FAQ
We will be participating in the Salem Half Marathon and 8k (approx. 5 miles) for this. year's group race! Participants will receive a finisher medal and Chick-fil-a sandwich.
You are welcome to join the Running Water for the Living Water" race group during checkout. This is totally optional and is offered by the race organizers for fun competition. The groups with the 5 fastest runners and the most participants will receive an award.
FAQ:
Q: Does my registration fee provide clean water?
A: No. The registration fee is paid to Salem Parks and Rec and a portion will benefit food pantries and other charities within Salem, VA.
Q: How does this event work?
A: As individuals, families, friends, and churches, we are joining together to raise funds for clean water in India and Uganda. Race day is the finale to our fundraising season and a symbolic "crossing of the finish line" as we celebrate what God has done. A few months after the race, runners/walkers and donors will receive a personalized video update from India featuring the well they helped provide.
Q: I have another question about the race.
A: Please visit the race website for more information. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to ereams@gpartners.org or mriggins@gpartners.org.
Schedule
TBA: Prerace rally (typically held on Friday night before the race)
October 8 at 8am: Half Marathon and 8k begin.
Race Day T Shirts
Printable Letters and Forms
Interested in sending letters to prospective donors or business sponsors? Click here to view all printable documents.
SPONSORSHIP
Personal or corporate sponsors can designate funds to a specific runner/team or the group goal. 95% of your donation will go directly to well installation! Sponsors can choose to be featured on the back of the team t shirt or remain anonymous. Feel free to reach out to mriggins@gpartners.org with any questions.
Sponsorship Levels - - - Diamond - - - Gold - - - Silver - - - Bronze
Businesses and individuals who financially support our efforts at any level will receive pictures and GPS coordinates of the well contributed to. Donating the following amounts designates you as a sponsor, whether you give to a specific runner or to the overall campaign goal.
BRONZE $250
Previous + Business or individual’s name will appear on t shirt worn by group members on race day (Unless you prefer to remain anonymous)
SILVER $500
Previous + Name OR logo on t shirt
GOLD $1000
Previous + a framed picture of well dedication ceremony
DIAMOND $2600
Previous + 2 complimentary race shirts, AND Sponsor/business name to appear on a banner at the well site. You will also receive a shareable link to a personalized video of YOUR well being dedicated with special thanks to you or your business name. The banner will be presented to sponsor as a gift after returning to the US.
Mail In Sponsorship Form
If you would rather sign up as a sponsor via mail, click here to download the Business Sponsor sign up form. (Click document title to download).
GALLERY
In 7 years, Running Water for the Living Water teams have provided over 170 wells in India and Uganda. Click to experience a few of the wells provided this past season.
